Publisher Writer Experience
Fall 2023
4 Meetings With A Major Publisher!
Songwriters and artists who want to get their songs cut by major label artists or want to be a major label artist, need a relationship with a major music publisher. Getting those relationships is hard work, even when you have amazing songs.
Since major publishing companies are extremely selective about who they choose to work with, developing relationships can literally take years to make!
The Publisher Writer Experience changes everything! You'll work one-on-one over 3 months with a major publisher, who'll give you career guidance, help you make your songs more cuttable and advise you just as they would any songwriter at their company.
Our next publisher is Kendall Lettow, Creative Manager, Peer Music
Program Overview
2 Zoom 1-On-1's with the Publisher
2 In-Person Trips to the Publisher's Office!
The Publisher Writer Experience is a chance at new beginnings with an amazing publisher who wants nothing more than success for you.
Program activities include:
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Two (2) 20 minute 1-on-1 meetings with the publisher over Zoom
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One (1) 30 minute individual in-person meeting at the publisher's office in Nashville or on Zoom
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One (1) 1 hour group meeting at the publisher's Nashville office (available on Zoom if out of town)
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Application Deadlines
Early bird: August 5, 2023
Full Price: August 19, 2023
August 30* At your first 1-on-1 on Zoom with the publisher, get comfortable, learn about the publisher and their goals. Share your goals and play 1-2 of your best songs. Set up your 30 minute 1-on-1 for whatever date/time works for both you and the publisher.
TBD Have a 30 minute 1-on-1 at the publisher's office on the date/time decided upon on by you and the publishers. If you cannot come to Nashville, no problem, schedule a 30 minute Zoom.
September 27* At your 2nd 1-on-1 Zoom with the publisher leave a lasting impression by playing more great songs and the work you've been doing to further your career since last you met.
October 11* Celebrate the closing of program with a group visit to the publisher's office. Delve into the world of the publishing company, gaining insights from the perspective of the publisher. Expand your knowledge and uncover the truths behind the scenes as we get all of your questions answered during our Q&A "Music Business Fact or Fiction???." Zoom in if you live out of town.
*Dates are subject to change depending on publisher's availability.
Publisher Bio
Since 2018, Kendall Lettow has served as the Creative Manager at peermusic Nashville. She plays a pivotal role signing songwriters, fostering songwriter's creative talents and landing song placements.
Notably, Lettow recently signed Earl Michael a pop top liner made and Cooper Bascom, a gifted country songwriter and producer who had been writing at peer for some time.
She’s a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where she completed the Recording Industry Management program. Prior to joining peermusic Nashville, Lettow honed her skills in the Creative departments of reputable organizations such as Kobalt Music, Still Working Music, and THiS Music.
In addition to her accomplishments, Lettow contributes to the music industry as a board member of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) and as an Administrative Assistant/Membership representative.
Peermusic Nashville is an international music publishing company. The Nashville office supports music in all genres and has a vibrant sync placement department. The division is lead by Michael Knox with 20 #1 songs under his belt as a producer and over 40 million singles and 18 million albums sold by Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Frankie Ballard, Josh Thompson, Tyler Rich, Michael Tyler, and the late Buddy Knox.
Kendall Lettow
"I am primarily looking for writers in country but, we are an international company with a huge TV/Film department. I like having my ears open for interesting writers that could benefit our team. I'm looking forward to meeting all of the Discover Sooner writers."
A Champion for You!
Discover Sooner builds long-term connections between writers and publishers. Multiple writers have taken giant steps forward and are now writing with at publishing companies.
Whether that happens to you right away or not, we are your champion long after the program is over. We keep that connection between you and the publisher going.
At-A-Glance
Program Overview:
Participants: Limited to 9 writers accepted
Location:
Location: Mix of Zoom and In-person in Nashville
Save These Dates:
Early bird Application Deadline
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August 5, 2023
Full Price Application Deadline
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August 19, 2023
Applicant selection notification
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August 21, 2023
Songwriter orientation
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Changed to Sat August 26, 2023 (10-11am cst)
#1 Zoom Meeting (20 minute)
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August 30 (4-7pm cst/5-8pm est)
30 minute In-person or Zoom Meeting with publisher
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Schedule your meeting with the publisher at the first Zoom 1-on-1
#2 Zoom Meeting (20 minute)
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September 27 (4-7pm cst/5-8pm est)
Group Meeting at publisher's office (or zoom in if you are out of town)
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Oct 11 (5-6pm cst)
Price:
Early Bird: $357
Regular Registration: $417
1. Prepare a link to 3 songs on SoundCloud, Songspace, Dropbox, etc. OR If you're in the Sooner Community: just use a link to a song in your Music List.
3. Receive email with your acceptance status 7 days before the program begins. If accepted, you'll receive additional program details and a payment link ($).
What Songwriters Say...
What Writers Say About Publisher Writer Experience
Testimonials
PWE FAQs
Do I need to be a member of Discover Sooner to attend?
No. Learn more about Sooner programs>>
What if I can't make it to one of the scheduled meetings with the publisher?
We'll schedule a make-up session.
I don't live in Nashville. What do I do about the in-person meetings?
You can do your 30 minute meeting and Group Meeting on Zoom. Consider coming to Nashville on the day of the group meeting. You can set up your 30 minute with the publisher on that date and make it a "2fer".
How are Zoom meetings conducted?
You will have an individual meeting time scheduled with the publisher. Log onto Zoom about 10 minutes before your schedule time. When it's your scheduled time, the host will move you into to the publisher's breakout room.
Is there an orientation?
Yes. We want you to set you up for success. If you've never met with a publisher before, there's an art to it! At orientation we will go over: time management, what to talk with the publisher about, pitfalls to avoid and get your ready to share your music. And we'll go over how to share your songs so it sound great on Zoom.
What should I talk with the publisher about?
A mentoring session is less about "pitching" songs and more about making a relationship. Be ready to play some songs, but talk about your career in music, get advice on the challenges you face as a writer or artist and most importantly, get to know this publisher.
I'm in a duo. Can we be in the same mentoring sessions together?
Yes.
Upon selection notification, what does it mean to be "waitlisted"?
If there's not enough room in this group, you'll be invited to the next group with no need to apply again.