A series of five monthly competitions will be conducted online beginning in October with the Grand Final held in March. Monthly prize packages will be awarded valued at $500 each with the Grand Prize to include the rerecording of their song by studio musicians and a national release.

Industry veterans, Alan Vermilye and Bruce Gust, recognized the need for a competition of this nature. "Most talent competitions include songwriting in their criteria, but primarily focus on performance and stage presence," claims Vermilye. "[cm]songwriter is all about finding the best written and most popular Christian song."

Each songwriter is provided a "Writers' Page" containing their song, lyrics, and other information. The page also serves a dual purpose as an electronic press kit. "Every songwriter wants his or her song to be heard. Here, emerging songwriters can both showcase their talent and network with other songwriters and industry professionals," said Gust, a published songwriter and former national recording and touring artist.

All voting is conducted by "fans" who have the opportunity to vote for their favorite songs once each day during the course of monthly competitions. "From the beginning, we knew the competition was to be decided by fans and not a panel of judges," said Vermilye. "Ultimately, it's fans who decide the fate of any song regardless of the talent of a performer or writer."

The competition is open to anyone regardless of age or musical talent. Contestants can enter only one song per month, but have the option of changing their song each month if they do not win.

"What makes [cm]songwriter great is that it involves everyone," said Gust. "Songwriters, fans, and industry professionals all play a vital role in the success of the competition. In fact, songwriters can have a page even if they do not want to be entered in the competition and just want to showcase their music. "

For more information [cm]songwriter visit http://www.cmsongwriter.com.