Nashville Songwriters Association International
These folks provide excellent education and support for developing songwriters.  When I first came to Nashville I was basically clue-less and this is where I began to find my way. They are also leaders in the ongoing battle to keep copyright law strong and to adapt it to the digital age.

Songwriters Guild of America
They provide legal advice to their members along with quality educational opportunities.

Just Plain Folks
This is a huge internet community of songwriters and independent musicians that also has local chapters. On this site you can learn a tremendous amount about the craft and business of songwriting and can connect with other writers in cyberspace.

Hillbilly Culture
Run by hit songwriter Kim Williams ("Ain't Goin' Down 'til The Sun Comes Up," "Three Wooden Crosses") and his daughter writer/artist Amanda Williams ("Beer Run") this website is designed to help writers realize their dreams. For $32.99/year you can listen to podcasts of interviews with writers and people from the industry and have access to one-on-one mentoring. They also hold retreats that enlighten and inspire.

Performance Rights Organizations (PROs)
They collect airplay royalties when their members songs are played on radio and TV, in concert halls and nightclubs, etc. They also have member representatives who help developing songwriters. As a writer you can join only one.  All three are excellent. Check them all out, try to meet with representatives and join the one you think will best support you.

ASCAP
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers

BMI
Broadcast Music Incorporated

SESAC
According to their website, the name was originally an acronym for Society of European Stage Authors & Composers but today they are world-wide and the name is simply SESAC (pronounced SEE sack) and not an abbreviation of anything.

Books

Murphy's Laws of Songwriting
Ralph Murphy, hit writer, successful publisher and long-time VP of ASCAP, has been writing a column for the ASCAP website for years and has finally pulled together his insider's insights into a book that will keep you laughing as it tells you the hard truth.

Six Steps to Songwriting Success
If you buy one book on songwriting, buy this one. Read it slowly and carefully - it is so loaded with accurate and important information you may not realize that every sentence counts.

The Dos and Don'ts of Music Row
Hit writer Liz Hengber's account of landing a writing deal will entertain you and help you avoid some of her mistakes.
 

Networking Websites

Tunesmith

Broadjam
 

Informative Websites

Songwriters Connection
Kim Copeland and Susan Tucker and been supporting and educating songwriters for years. Sign up here for their Songwriters Connection newsletter.

Nashville Muse
A partial listing of local Nashville shows with lots of advertising for songwriter-related services and events.

The Muse's Muse
This site has been around for fourteen years and it's loaded with information, forums and resources.

Murphy's Laws
If you're not gonna buy the book (see above), at least read some of his articles on the ASCAP website.

Music Starts Here
Video interviews with lots of Nashville industry people covering just about every topic.

 

Services

TAXI
This team of professionals will listen to your songs, give you feedback and pitch them if they feel it is warranted. They don't do it free, but they do what they say they'll do and I have met songwriters who have gotten cuts through them. 

Rand Bishop
This hit writer ("My List" - Toby Keith) coaches songwriters, rents guest rooms, has books to sell and hosts workshops.

Lorna Flowers
This high energy British import knows everyone and knows what developing songwriters need to know. If you're coming to Nashville she will help you fill your time with whatever activities can best help you reach your goals, such as writers nights, consultations, shows, etc.. She also produces demos, rents guest rooms.

Marc Alan Barnette - His larger-than-life personality will make learning from him an entertaining experience. He offers tours of Nashville to help you get oriented to the community and guided cowriting sessions to help you learn the craft.
 

Songwriter Festivals

Tin Pan South
If you want to binge on great songwriting, get to Nashville for this five-day event put on every April by the Nashville Songwriters Association.

Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival
If you love sugar-white Gulf of Mexico beaches and great songwriting, you need to check out this event that happens for 12 days each November. I played there first in 2000 and have been back every year since.

Key West Songwriters Festival
Hit writers hit the Keys for this BMI sponsored music & fun fest.

Nashville Songwriters Festival
This is a grass roots effort of local, national and international songwriter's. You'll hear everything from new writers to Hall of Fame writers on various stages around Music Row. Bookings are not as hard to get as other festivals but they generally don't pay. The Pro Instruction Classes are excellent and inexpensive.