Thank you for an interesting thread, Jean. Some people would say that lyrics are not as important as music and find examples of famous songs where the words aren't really important at all or we don't know what the words are about as it's in a different language, some maintain that the lyrics are important and find examples to support their view. For me the lyrics are very important as they give me an inspiration to compose my music. I find it's important to like the lyric and being able to relate to it, like some people say, it should speak to me. I don't like forced rhymes or something in the lines not making sense. I've been collaborating with different lyricists and I think trust, loyalty and honesty are very important. The ability to discuss the work and being flexible on both parts - for the composer being ready to change the music if the lyricist isn't happy or comes up with some different ideas for the lyric when the work is already in a process, for the lyricist to be ready to change the lines and even rearrange them if the composer is suggesting it. Also if the composer comes up with the suggestions for some lines, not just suggest something else instead (one of the composers was saying about it on another thread) but seriously consider them. I think some lyricists feel very strongly about their work and decide if the composer is asking for a change, the lyric is not for this composer. This is often not the case though as there are always some ways for improvement and it's so important for the composer to be able to relate well to the lyric. I think that it always helps when the lyricist is saying change whatever you feel the lyric needs. When the lyricist says it to me, I don't ever change for the sake of changing and I always say what I'd like to change but it feels so good to have this trust. I also always feel grateful to the lyricists who say they are happy for me to upload the finished song whenever I feel is right and to send the song to any publishers/artists. Again I always let them know where the song is uploaded or sent but it helps so much when it's so easy to communicate.
It would be fantastic if the lyricist either was able to play an instrument or sing or have a good recording software but I appreciate it's not always possible. The main thing is though to have a good working relationship. MAB wrote straight to the point saying relationship three times.
Nadia
P.S. One more point. It would be helpful to know if the lyricist submits the lyric to different composers or just to me. Personally I don't find it interesting to work on my music if I know that the lyric is submitted to someone else for a different song. I know that I wouldn't submit the same music to different lyricists.

Nadia