My limited understanding of the business tells me that what happened here is that the publishers became skittish because they learned (or the point got driven home) that they were dealing with an amateur who did not understand the business ..... meaning a difficult relationship and outlook.

I'm not saying "don't question, don't ask etc...

What I'm saying is there are more songwriters out there looking to place material.

Why should a publisher, who needs to make money, waste their time with an amateur when there are plenty of pros out there?

Fair? Probably not. But it's a business, not a charity or a school.

If I'm sinking my time and effort into my business, I only want to work with the best...those who know what to do, when to do it, and whom to do it with...

BTW a three year reversion clause would not be acceptable methinks...10 year...??

If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop