This is the indispensable guide to learning how to start and run your own independent record label. It’s a primer that takes you by the hand and guides you through the many steps involved in building the label of your dreams, including fundamental information about: Legal structure, What to look for in a lawyer and accountant, How to write a business plan, Label naming, Domain name and registration, Bar codes, What to look for before signing an artist, Key deal points in artist contracts, Music publishing, Key personnel with typical “reporting” diagrams, Setting up your office, What to look for in a recording studio, Drafting a recording budget, The recording, sequencing, and mastering process, ISRC codes, What to look for in pressing and printing plants, Packaging, Inventory management, Mechanical licenses, Domestic and international distribution, Production and distribution deals, What to include in a marketing plan, Marketing budgets, The role of sales, radio promotion, publicity, artist tours, advertising, video, street teams, and the web, Timing of releases, Artist development, The one-sheet, Royalty accounting, Licensing, Crisis management, Recommended reading.