Application Deadline
Early Bird: Nov 9, 2025
Final: Nov 16, 2025
Publisher Writer Experience
Sarah McDaniels, Reservoir
Real Access. Real Guidance. Real Opportunity.
If your dream is to have your songs cut by major label artists—or to become a major label artist yourself—or write for tv and film, you need a strong connection with a music publisher. But breaking into that world is tough. Even with great songs, building those relationships can take years.
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That’s where the Publisher Writer Experience comes in.
This one-of-a-kind, three-month program gives you direct access to a major music publisher who will mentor you one-on-one—offering the same kind of honest feedback, creative direction, and career insight they give to writers on their own roster.
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Our next mentor is Emma Kiefer is the Director of A&R at Group Projects, where she is spearheading the launch and development of Group Projects Publishing. In her role, she works closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett to bridge publishing and artist management, helping shape the company’s expanding creative vision.
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This is your chance to build a real relationship with someone who makes publishing decisions every day. Don’t wait years for a door to open—walk through it now.​
About Sarah McDaniels
as Creative Coordinator at Reservoir, where she pitches the company’s catalog, coordinates co-writing sessions, manages writer calendars, and actively scouts and signs new talent.
About Reservoir Media
Revervoir Media is an award-winning, global independent music company with bespoke services across publishing, recorded music, & management..They are currently looking to sign an artist / writer.
Focus areas include:
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Contemporary Country, Traditional Country (60%)
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Pop (40%)
Who's Been Signed?
Reservoir songwriters David Fanning and Christian Stalnecker were nominated for Music Row awards: BREAKTHROUGH SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:
David Fanning
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney, co-written by David Fanning
Program Overview
1 Zoom 1-on-1 with the Publisher
2 In-Person Meetings with the Publisher
Through the Publisher Writer Experience (PWE), you'll meet an amazing publisher who will guide you just as they would any songwriter at their company.
Program activities include the following
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One (1) 30 minute 1-on-1 meetings with the publisher over Zoom
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One (1) 40 minute individual in-person meeting with the publisher in Nashville or Zoom
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One (1) 1 hour group meeting at the publisher's Nashville office or Zoom where we explore Music Business Fact or Fiction??? ​​
More On...
"Music Business Fact or Fiction???"
Packed with insider insights, the top publishers give you honest answers, actionable advice, and a better understanding of how business decisions affect the music itself. Don’t let misinformation hold you back!​ See the full list of questions we ask publishers here.
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Couldn’t make it to Discover Sooner’s Publisher Writer Experience? 🎥 Now you can catch the replay everyone’s talking about. Go to Videos $
Photo Gallery
Program Details
Nov 24, Dec 3 : Select one of these dates for your 30-minute 1-on-1 Zoom meeting with the publisher. During this get-to-know-you session, you'll get comfortable, learn about the publisher, share your goals, and play 1 or 2 of your best songs. Schedule your upcoming 40 minute in-person (or Zoom) at a time that works for both of you.
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Date TBD: 40 minute 1-on-1 meeting at the publisher's office (or via Zoom).​
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Jan 12, 2026 Group Meeting "Music Business: Fact or Fiction?": Visit to the publisher's office in-person (or Zoom). We'll delve into the world of the publishing company, gaining insights from the perspective of the publisher. Expand your knowledge of the music business and uncover the truths behind the scenes as we get all of your questions answered during our Q&A session.
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*Dates are subject to change depending on publisher's availability.
More Publisher Info
Sarah McDaniels, Creative Coordinator at Reservoir, a Louisiana native, moved to Nashville in 2018 to pursue her passion for music. She earned her degree in Music Business and Marketing from Middle Tennessee State University, where she discovered a deep love for songs—and the people who write them.
After completing internships in publishing, Sarah launched her career at Sony Music Publishing, where she spent two years in copyright administration on the country team.
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Today, Sarah serves as Creative Coordinator at Reservoir, where she pitches the company’s catalog, coordinates co-writing sessions, manages writer calendars, and actively scouts and signs new talent.
Sarah McDaniels
“I’m passionate about discovering and building relationships with songwriters. Every writer I meet brings a new perspective and teaches me something new about songwriting. I love helping writers refine their artistry, connect with the right collaborators, and reach the next stage of their careers. Watching their growth and celebrating their wins—big and small—is one of the most rewarding parts of being a publisher!”
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
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Location:
Location: Zoom and In-person in Nashville at Red Light Management Office
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Save These Dates:
Time zone converter here.
Application Early bird Deadline
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Sun Nov 9, 2025
Application Final Deadline
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Sun Nov 16, 2025
Applicant selection notification
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Monday Nov 17, 2025
Songwriter orientation
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Thur Nov 20 (5-6pm ct)
Zoom Meeting (30 minute)
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Dec 3, 2025 (4-630pm ct) OR Dec 11 (4-6pm)
40 minute 1-on-1 In-person or Zoom Meeting with publisher
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To Be Scheduled at your first Zoom 1-on-1
Group Meeting in Nashville or on Zoom
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Jan 12, 5-6pm ct
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Price:
Application: $20
Early Bird Price: $357
Final Deadline to Register: $457
1. Prepare a link to 3 songs on SoundCloud, Songspace, Dropbox, etc. OR If you're in the Sooner Community: just use a link to a song in your Music List.
3. Receive email with your acceptance status 7 days before the program begins. If accepted, you'll receive additional program details and a payment link ($).
What Songwriters Say...
What Writers Say About Publisher Writer Experience
Application Deadline
Early Bird: Nov 9, 2025
Final: Nov 16, 2025
Apply HerE!
If you are a contemporary country songwriter or artist/writer OR you are a pop or country artist/writer looking for artist management, this program may be for you.
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Spots always fill up fast. Those who wait till the last day may not get in.
You'll need links to 3 of your best songs: SoundCloud, Disco, Dropbox, Google Drive (any link) .
Testimonials
PWE FAQs
Do I need to be a member of Discover Sooner to attend?
No. Learn more about Sooner programs>>
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What if I can't make it to one of the scheduled meetings with the publisher?
We'll schedule a make-up session.
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I don't live in Nashville. What do I do about the in-person meetings?
You can do all of your meetins on Zoom. Consider coming to Nashville on the day of the group meeting. You can set up your 40 minute with the publisher on that date and make it a "2fer". ​
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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.
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What should I talk with the publisher about?
A mentoring session is not about pitching songs; it's 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.
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I'm in a duo. Can we be in the same mentoring sessions together?
Yes.
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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.