Someone asked if meeting with their BMI, SESAC or ASCAP writer/relations person was a good idea and that answer is a YES. It's part of their job to hook up songwriters with publishers (or even a reputable independent plugger) if they believe the writer has potential. You can write the most amazing song in the world (it's done every day) but we are all witness to crap getting cut and played on the radio for political reasons. Someone has to "play the game" and be present whether it be you the writer living and networking tirelessly in the hotbed or a publisher/plugger who fiercly believes in you.

You don't have to live full time in a music town but you'd better be prepared to spend a huge amount of time there even if you are successful in order to compete and be involved in the cowrites (particularly since practically every non-writing successful singer feels the need to have their name thrown in the credits today). Pick your genre and find out where it's happening whether it be LA, Austin, NY, Nashville, etc. Participate in organizations, show up to functions, hang out where industry people go to unwind and do writers' nights.

Have to say though Nashville seems to boast the largest concentration of all genres zipping in to write and record.