I`ve finished a three-song demo around mid/end of June and have been sending emails to large,small and independent music publishers; around 20 emails sent,two replies. I`m a non-performing songwriter, so one reply from a real favourite company of mine,advised it is tough for non-performing songwriters,so on all emails I am now just a songwriter (:-)) so that helped.
Second reply invited me to send the cd in,which I have done,so I will keep you posted if you`re still around. Over the weekend I will download the cd as an MP3 into maybe four of five inboxes (but most of these are fairly or very big companies that have not replied to preliminary emails,so I don`t hold out much hope.) One company has asked for the cd,and that`s all I need for now. I chose the companies from the MPA website,but have sent emails to other companies through google search. Just match your material to artists these companies have provided songs for. A non-major may have one or two artists who you could supply who are massive chart-toppers. A major may have chart-toppers totally unsuited to your style.