Jason Blume

Drawing on his experience as a hit-making songwriter and songwriting instructor, the author presents an easy-to-understand, step-by-step approach to mastering those key elements consistently found in hit songs. Incorporating inspiring anecdotes, effective exercises, and common-sense checklists for self-evaluation, the book provides a concise analysis of the six steps essential to songwriting success-developing successful song structures, writing effective lyrics, composing memorable melodies, producing successful demos, taking care of business, and developing persistence. ©2004, 304 pages. (reg. $21.95 US)

Rikky Rooksby

Lyrics sheds light on all aspects of lyric writing for music and will make songwriters feel more confident and creative when they tackle lyrics. It's perfect for all songwriters: those who don't like their own lyrics and find them difficult to write, experienced writers looking for a creative edge, and those offering lyrics to set to music in a partnership.

Topics include channeling personal experiences into lyrics, overcoming writer's block, the right lyrics for a bridge, the separation between lyrics and poetry, exploring imagery and metaphor, avoiding clichés, and more. The book also offers tips on the various styles of lyrics, from protests, spirituals, and confessionals to narratives and comic songs. ©2006, 176 pages. (reg. $22.95US)

This is the easiest, most practical rhyming dictionary available. Now you can find the word you're looking for while discovering words you hadn't even thought of. This invaluable resource lists words in dictionary format, contains only the words you need (not ones you don't), includes places, proper names, cliches, expressions, slang words and more! It also includes song lyric tips to help you work through writer's block. ©1995. (reg. $9.95US)

Jeffrey Fisher

Learn everything you need to know to make jingles and score video productions with this new, updated second edition of this popular book. With so many changes in the industry, this is a much-needed revision to this popular guide. With major emphasis on promotion, this book covers some new technological information based on today’s soundtrack composition techniques.

With a huge demand for professional compositions for movies, TV, video, radio, and other multimedia formats, this book delves into how to take advantage of this demand and make a successful career. Once you've finished this thorough guide, you'll know how to organize production resources, prepare and present your demo recordings, work with clients, craft profit-producing copy, promote your work, protect yourself legally, get the money you deserve and more. ©2005, 200 pages. (reg. $24.99 US)

Jason Blume

Learning to write great songs is not enough. Without a firm grasp of the rudiments of music publishing, and a solid knowledge of how songs generate income, how they may be protected, and how to organize a business, songwriters leave themselves adrift in a sea of obstacles and challenges, unable to navigate the rolling waters of today's music business.

This Business of Songwriting gives a detailed, comprehensive examination of business-related topics and issues that all songwriters need to understand, and it presents accessible explanations and samples of the contracts, licenses, and legal agreements that songwriters are likely to encounter throughout their careers. Readers will learn that the business skills and knowledge they need can be acquired, as the author shares his insights and expertise gained from more than twenty years “on both sides of the desk” in the music business. ©2006, 324 pages. (Reg. $24.95US)

Christopher Norton

Ever wanted to write your own song? Ever wondered what it is you love about some songs, but hate about others? This book will show you. Written by an expert songwriter and recorded by top artists, Write Songs from Scratch is the ideal choice for any aspiring songwriter. ©2002, 64 pages. (reg. $29.95US)