Confessional, soul-bearing lyrics and unorthodox chord progressions may be the focal point of an amateur songwriter's songs, but a professional songwriter should focus on catchy melodies and hooks, along with lyrics that the everyday person can relate to. A professional songwriter needs to write songs that stick in people's heads. A catchy chorus with a memorable lyric is important. Songs should also tell a story that the average person understands and can apply to his life. Melodies and hooks don't need to be groundbreaking, as long as they are catchy and not too close to another song's as to be at risk of copyright infringement.
Professional songwriters record demos of their new songs on a regular basis. New songwriters need to stay up-to-date on current music trends and should have a large database of songs, the best of which they should demo in order to pitch to publishers, record labels and recording artists. For some more musically-inclined executives, a vocal/piano or vocal/guitar demo, showcasing the melody and lyrics of the song, is appropriate, but many of today's music executives expect a more fully-produced demo. A demo that resembles the intended finished product is the best thing to submit to prospective clients.
A professional songwriter is one who has earned money off the sale and licensing of his songs. A professional songwriter has standing in the music industry. In order for an amateur to make it as a professional songwriter, he needs to make connections with other professionals in the music industry, from record producers to bands to sound engineers at live shows. Networking makes it much easier to get a song into the right hands. Professional songwriters schmooze with industry executives and join songwriting associations and performing rights organizations like ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.