The sixth annual Great Lakes Songwriting Contest is now open for submissions. And entrants get a free on-line course from SongU just for entering.

From its roots as the Metro Detroit Songwriting Contest, this Michigan-based contest has honored many of the state's best songwriters over the years, including John Latini, Whit Hill, Jen Cass, and Billy King, to name a few.

There are no categories or age limits, and no songwriter gives up any rights to his or her song by entering or winning.

Eleven songs will be chosen, splitting about $35,000 in prizes. The Grand Prize will be $2,500 cash and the chance to headline the annual Winners' Concert, plus national publicity and various prize packages from the sponsors.

Thanks to a partnership with Sonicbids, artists can choose to enter on-line or by mail. The regular deadline is September 1, with an extension until September 15 for Sonicbids entries.

The contest is sponsored by Elderly Instruments, Broadjam.com, SongU.com, and Indie-Music.com. Go to http://www.GreatLakesSongs.com for everything you need to enter.