By Daylle Deanna Schwartz
Billboard Books
www.billboard.com

For musicians seeking a record deal (and what musician isn't?), The Real Deal is an important resource, offering an impressive amount of advice about the music business in general and how to get signed in particular. Originally published in 1997, The Real Deal has been updated and expanded and now offers more information than ever.

The book covers a lot of territory. Author Daylle Deanna Schwartz describes issues such as the roles of managers, agents, and attorneys; how to prepare a promotional package and demo; the right way to approach an A&R representative; and how to build a street team. Schwartz also demystifies such frequently confusing elements of a record deal as terms of commitment and points and royalties. She also explains the often misunderstood issue of publishing rights. (Do you know the difference between mechanical, performance, and synchronization royalties?)

The author backs up her points with quotes by (and Q&A sections with) countless musicians, agents, record executives, and others with an intimate knowledge of the business.

Getting a record deal is never easy, but Schwartz makes your sailing a little bit smoother with her well-written, informative book.