Songwriting for Dummies

Proven techniques for songwriting success
This friendly, hands-on guide tackles the new face of the recording industry, guiding you through the shift from traditional sales to downloads and mobile music, as well as how you can harness social media networks to get your music "out there." You get basic songwriting concepts, insider tips and advice, and inspiration for writing — and selling — meaningful, timeless songs.
Songwriting 101 — get a grip on everything you need to know to write a song, from learning to listen to your "inner voice" to creating a "mood" and everything in between
Jaunt around the genres — discover the variety of musical genres and find your fit, whether it's rock, pop, R&B, gospel, country, or more
Let the lyrics out — master the art of writing lyrics, from finding your own voice to penning the actual words to using hooks, verses, choruses, and bridges
Make beautiful music — find your rhythm, make melodies, and use chords to put the finishing touches on your song
Work the Web — harness online marketing and social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and others to get your music heard by a whole new audience
Open the book and find:
What you need to know before you write a single note
Tips on finding inspiration
Ways to use poetic devices in lyrics
Computer and Web-based shortcuts and technologies to streamline songwriting
A look at famous songwriting collaborators
Writing for stage, screen, and television
How to make a demo to get your song heard
Advice on how to make money from your music
Learn to:
Develop your songwriting skills with tips and techniques from the pros
Use social networking sites to get your music out to the public
Break into the industry with helpful, how-to instructions

Jim Peterik, a Grammy-winning songwriter, has written 18 Billboard Top 10 hits, including the perennial favorite "Eye of the Tiger" featured in Rocky III.
Dave Austin is a National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences "Presidential Award" recipient.
Cathy Lynn is a screenwriter and nonfiction writer.

Foreword.
Introduction.
Part I: So You Want to Be a Songwriter.
Chapter 1: Capturing That Solid-Gold Nugget.
Chapter 2: Looking at the Genres.
Chapter 3: Working It Out: Getting Your Song into Shape.
Part II: Unleashing the Lyricist in You.
Chapter 4: Snagging Your Listeners with a Hook.
Chapter 5: Making an Impact with Lyrics.
Chapter 6: Finding Your Voice in the Lyrics.
Chapter 7: Using Rhymes in Your Songs.
Part III: Creating Memorable Music.
Chapter 8: Feel the Rhythm, Feel the Ride.
Chapter 9: Making Melody Magic.
Chapter 10: Using Chords in Songwriting.
Chapter 11: The Cheating Side of Town: Shortcuts and Cool Technologies.
Part IV: Cooperation, Collaboration, and Community.
Chapter 12: Bringing Talent Together: Collaboration and Networking.
Chapter 13: Online Marketing and Social Networking for Songwriters.
Chapter 14: Writing for the Stage, Screen, Television, and More.
Chapter 15: Getting Your Songs Heard: Making the Demo.
Part V: Getting Down to Business.
Chapter 16: Creating Goals and Meeting Deadlines.
Chapter 17: Ka-Ching: How Your Song Makes Money.
Chapter 18: Introducing the Business Players.
Chapter 19: Looking at the Legal End: Dealing with Paperwork.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 20: Ten Songs You Should Know.
Chapter 21: Ten Common Song-Related Contracts You Should Know.
Index.