[ethanay]

What a question!

Ultimately, it depends on three things in my opinion:

1. Learn how to write good songs. To me this also means not letting your ego get in the way. Don't drone on, be authentic (say what you want/need to say, not what you think people want to hear).

2. Make sure that people are hearing your songs in their ears the same way that you hear them in your head. Most people don't care about lead sheets. They want to hear and feel.

3. Get the songs out to as many people as possible.

If you can do those things, you will meet with some success. And there are umpteen ways to go about doing them. You need to figure out what paths you want or need to take. You don't need to go to any school, but you do need dedication and discipline with a long-range vision or game plan.