Whether you're a songwriter who has just written your first song, or a professional who's out there pounding the streets, Your First Cut, is designed to help you achieve your dream. This "hands-on" left-brain book for write-brain people is so rich with details, it's as if the authors are by your side every step

of the way.

If you dream of having your song recorded by a major label artist and hearing it on the radio, this 224 page step-by-step guide is the roadmap you need. 

Of course, the authors can't guarantee that if you follow the steps outlined in "Your First Cut" that you will definitely get a cut.  But, they can guarantee that if you don't follow these steps, you probably won't get a cut!

Some Nice Things People Have Said

American Songwriter Magazine

I've had a lot of coaches in my life . . . some good, some bad. Bad coaches may scream, belittle and punish . . . in an attempt to motivate their protégé to success. Good coaches, on the other hand, help you to connect with your passion. They teach you how to draw upon the fire that burns within you, and train you in the skills necessary to win.

Vandiver and Hollombe are good coaches. They've written a concrete, detailed training manual to lead you step-by-step to your first cut. Some of the tough exercises in their book include: learn to play a musical instrument, co-write on a weekly basis, network within the music industry, perform your songs in public and, of course, pitch your songs.

The authors have developed a point system by which you can assess your strengths and weakness, sharpen your skills, focus your attack and have fun in the process. Your First Cut outlines specific, pertinent goals that a writer must achieve to have the best shot at getting his or her song cut. Each chapter concludes with Vandiver and Hollombe candidly sharing their own personal experiences, as well as advice from other professional songwriters.

The coach and the protégé have an unusual relationship. The protégé may curse the coach under his breath as he struggles to complete a difficult exercise; but when he takes home the gold, who'sthe first person he's gonna thank? The coach. So if you think you're ready to play in the Big Leagues . . . I know a couple of great coaches!

- Lou Heffernan

Managing Editor

‘Your First Cut' is one of the most original and helpful books on songwriting I have ever read. Highly recommended.

- Paul Corbin

VP - Writer/Publisher Relations, BMI Nashville

Wow, what an amazing resource . . . profound, encouraging and inspiring. A sure-fire 'how-to' guide for the serious songwriter.

- Woody Bomar

Senior VP/GM, Creative Services, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Nashville

Music Row Magazine

Your First Cut, from songwriter Jerry Vandiver and NSAI’s Gracie Hollombe is billed as, “A step-by-step guide to getting there.” Going further, the authors note that theirs is “not a How To” book. It’s a ‘Do It’ book.” As such, Your First Cut is a spiral-bound workbook in which each chapter features multiple listing exercises or commitment statements that force the user into climbing the songwriting pyramid laid out by the authors. To be sure, the book is loaded with useful information and tips, including chapter-ending stories from songwriting luminaries. . . . [an] insightful instruction manual.

- Chuck Aly

Picture this... you've been drifting around in the songwriting sea for years, unsure of where to go next. There doesn't seem to be any clear direction to take. That elusive first cut is somewhere out over the horizon, and you're not sure where. Sound familiar? It was to me until I picked up a copy of this book. In it is a wealth of information, good advice, and a practical guide to the songwriting world. You won't learn how to write a song by reading this book, but you'll finally have the answers to what to do once the songs are written. It's all so clear now. I'm not there yet, but I've got a map, and I'm headed for the horizon. Don't leave home without it!

 - Greg Valente

 Greenville, SC