This week I’m talking with my friend Tony Wood who is one of the most successful songwriters in music, period. He currently has 34 #1 songs across multiple genres and over 900 songs recorded by various artists like: Michael W. Smith, Zach Williams, Reba McEntire, for KING & COUNTRY,  Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Scott Krippayne and Bill Gaither and so many more. We are discussing how to know if you are ready to approach a publisher about a songwriting deal, writing with people who are better than you and the importance of the radio single vs. full albums in today’s market. Sponsors: Edenbrooke Productions - We offer consulting services and are offering listeners a 1-hour introductory special. To request more info on consulting services, email Marty at contact@johnmartinkeith.com.  In this episode we talk about: *The hardest meeting to get with a publisher is the second meeting, not the first. *How to know if you’re ready to approach a publisher. *Working temp jobs while building your career. *There’s no guarantee of sustaining success once you have it. *Do it for the love of it. *The single is everything now. *You need to find a relationship with an artist to write with. *Aspire to write with people ahead of you. *Write songs that can become your calling card. *Getting through the terror. *Finding ways to connect. *It’s never been a level playing field. *Be mindful of the marketplace when writing. *Work on your theology.   BIO: Tony Wood is a staff writer for CURB/Word Music in Nashville, TN. He has won multiple Dove Awards over his career. Currently, Tony has written 34 #1 songs and has over 900 songs recorded  by artists across multiple genres like: Michael W. Smith, Zach Williams, Reba McEntire, for KING & COUNTRY, Steven Curtis Chapman, CAIN, PASSION, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Scott Krippayne, Jessica Simpson, Bill Gaither and many more.