11 Best Songwriting Books
We analyzed 5+ expert sources, curated book lists, and recommendations from successful people to find the 11 best songwriting books according to the internet — not just one person's opinion. Each book on this list was mentioned by at least two independent sources, and the ranking is based on how frequently each title appears across all sources studied. This consensus-based approach ensures you get recommendations backed by multiple experts, not a single reviewer's bias.
Goal: Find the best Songwriting books according to the internet (not just one person's opinion).
Method:
- Search for "best songwriting books" and study the top 5+ pages.
- Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
- Rank the results neatly here.
11 Best Songwriting Books
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Writing Better Lyrics
Songwriters On Songwriting
Tunesmith
Inside the Art of Songwriting
The War of Art
Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Also recommended by
16 people
Joe Rogan recommended this bookJoe Rogan
"A great book about harnessing creativity." - Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan's recommendation of this book 
Lex Fridman recommended this bookLex Fridman
"Beautiful book." - Lex Fridman
Lex Fridman's recommendation of this book 
Aubrey Marcus recommended this bookAubrey Marcus
"One of the most influential books in my life." - Aubrey Marcus
Aubrey Marcus's recommendation of this book 
Ryan Holiday recommended this bookRyan Holiday
One of Ryan Holiday's 2 answers to "what book are you most likely to give out as a gift?"
Ryan Holiday's recommendation of this book 
Seth Godin recommended this bookSeth Godin
Seth Godin mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Seth Godin's recommendation of this book 
Brian Koppelman recommended this bookBrian Koppelman
"Talks about resistance." - Brian Koppelman
Brian Koppelman's recommendation of this book +10
More recommendations
- Marie Forleo
"The essential no-bullshit guide for anyone who battles self-doubt or struggles to bring any important project to life." - Marie Forleo
- Daniel Pink
"I have [a little sign] on my desk here that says, 'Beat the resistance.' So, I’ve given [this book] out a lot too." - Daniel Pink
- Derek Sivers
"Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what “Resistance” is. This book is about that. Read it." - Derek Sivers
- Soman Chainani
"Half drill sergeant, half Zen voodoo master, [the author] shot me out of my stupor and taught me the meaning of creative discipline." - Soman Chainani
- Russell Moore
"About showing up and not waiting for inspiration to hit." - Russell Moore
- Jen Sincero
"Read this thing if you want to blast past your fears and insecurities and resistance to being your biggest, badassiest self." - Jen Sincero
- Jodie Cook
"This book is a sharp reality check for every artist. It will help you become unblocked, right now and possibly forever." - Jodie Cook
- Danny Miranda
"Odds of re-reading: close to 100%." - Danny Miranda
- James Clear
"[One of] the 10 best nonfiction books of all-time." - James Clear
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Marie Forleo
Gypsy Dreamers in the Alley
How Music Really Works
The Essential Handbook for Songwriters, Performers, and Music Students
How to Be a Hit Songwriter
Polishing and Marketing Your Lyrics and Music
Melody in Songwriting
Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs
The Craft of Lyric Writing
The Songwriter's Workshop
Melody
The Songwriter's Workshop
Harmony
Sources
- 1
5 Songwriting Books You Must Read
careersinmusic.com
- 2
13 Best Songwriting Books 2022 That’ll Improve Your Lyricism - Music Industry How To
musicindustryhowto.com
- 3
Shelf help: 20 of the best books for songwriters – Songwriting Magazine
songwritingmagazine.co.uk
- 4
The Best Songwriting Books To Read In 2021
themusicessentials.com
- 5
The 9 Best Songwriting Books to Read in 2021 | Two Story Melody
twostorymelody.com
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Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.
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