Hi Barbara,
Would recommend getting in touch the closest music publisher in your region who has a track record of 'getting cuts'. Every major(and minor)population center in the US/Canada/UK/Australia and the Continent has AT LEAST one. Very few will accept(or review) unsolicited material via the post, but will arrange for a appointment. Keep your demo(s)simple...vocal/guitar, vocal/piano. ANYBODY who has more than a wind tunnel between their ears can 'hear it' if there's quality and/or originality to your songs. Be prepared to re-write.

If you go to Nashville don't bother with 'writers nights'. Make your appointments during business hours on 'Music Row' as the whole place shuts down after 6:00 PM. Steer clear of 'writer/publishers' as they try to get a 'co-write' credit and snap up half the writer royalty in ADDITION to the publishing half if they spot a 'hot' property.

Most artist's in all forms of music have their own publishing companies nowadays who act as 'clearing houses' to find them material. Find out the name of the artists' pubcos to whom you're interested in pitching song(s) to and MAKE APPOINTMENTS to present your material.

As you have an outlet for your material via your band I would suggest you continue to perform your songs with your band and keep writing. 'They' will find you. And 'them' coming to you puts you in a much better bargaining position when it comes to a deal. Be patient. If you have the goods you can't be stopped. If you don't you can't be helped.

Don't limit yourself to 'recording artists' as there are a number of different outlets for original material such as jingles, local TV/Radio shows, movies, plays, etc. Visibility/consistancy/tenacity are the keys. Hope this has been helpful.   Jeff   PS: DON'T do 'Music Business' in bars or cars.