Attention Songwriters, YOU can be a part of the 2026 Singing News Songwriters Search!   Have you ever wanted the chance to have your original songs published? The Opportunity Is Now!   The 2026 Singing News Songwriters’ Search invites all non-professional* songwriters to submit your original songs! *Non-professional songwriter is defined as one who has never had an original song on the Singing News Top 40 chart; and one who is not currently under an exclusive publishing contract.   FIVE winners will be chosen!   1 (ONE) Grand Prize!
  • A single-song publishing contract with Daywind Publishing.
  • A 2-night stay (1 room/4 people) in Pigeon Forge, TN on Tuesday and Wednesday nights of the 2027 National Quartet Convention.
  • Special recognition during the 2027 Singing News Fan Awards ceremony (held during the 2027 National Quartet Convention.
  • SongSteps songwriting course (Dave Clark’s songwriting course, SongSteps, includes in-depth classes in lyric and melody writing, creativity, music business, and co-writing as well as songwriting disciplines for those ready to take their songwriting to the next level. This is a $400 value.)
  • One-on-One mentoring sessions with Dave Clark (writer of over 30 #1 hits across five decades)
  • Scholarship to the 2027 Charles Novell School of Music (includes tuition and lodging)
  • Winning song and songwriter will be included in a feature story in Singing News Magazine about the contest winners.
  • Story, photo, and song will be posted on www.SingingNews.com.
  • A one-year paid subscription (or a one-year extension) to Singing News.
  1 (ONE) 2nd Place Prize!
  • A one-song publishing deal of the 2nd place-winning song with Daywind Music Publishing.
  • 2nd place-winning song and songwriter will be included in a feature story in Singing News Magazine about the contest winners.
  • Story, photo, and song will be posted on www.SingingNews.com.
  • A one-year paid subscription (or a one-year extension) to Singing News.
  3 (THREE) Runners-Up Prizes!
  • Runners-up-winning songs and songwriters will be included in a feature story in Singing News Magazine about the contest winners.
  • Story, photo, and song will be posted on www.SingingNews.com.
  • A one-year paid subscription (or a one-year extension) to Singing News.
  Past Songwriters Search winning songs have gone on to win Dove Awards!   How Do I Enter? Early Bird Discount!  Enter by August 1, 2026:                   $48   If postmarked after August 1, 2026: $68   Final deadline to receive entries is October 31, 2026. Entries postmarked after October 31, 2026, will be returned.   How to enter: For each song submitted, send your entry fee, a completed entry form, lyric sheet, and an audio recording of the song to: Singing News Songwriters Search 242 W. Main St., Suite 254 Hendersonville, TN 37075 (Audio recordings can be submitted on flash drive, CD, or by emailing an mp3 to Jill at [email protected]. Or you can enter online at www.singingnews/songwriter.) Judges: Dave Clark Rodney Griffin Rob Novell John Darin Rowsey Sue C. Smith Kenna Turner West Rick Shelton   For more information, go to www.singingnews/songwriter or contact Jill Carothers at [email protected]