The Book · by Al West

Before They Sign You

The Independent Artist Blueprint for Ownership, Money, Audience and Building a Career

What Every Independent Artist Should Understand Before Handing Their Career to Someone Else.

Choose Your EditionLook Inside
Before They Sign You by Al West — book cover

Look Inside

Read the first nine pages.

The cover, the full table of contents and the complete introduction — exactly as they appear in the digital edition. Tap any page to read it.

Inside

Nine parts. One system.

Part I

The Artist

  • Before the Industry Gets a Vote
  • Your Music Is Only One Part of the Business
  • Build Something Worth Recognizing

Part II

Ownership

  • Who Owns the Song?
  • Publishing Without the Fog
  • Before You Sign Anything
  • Splits, Producers and Collaborators

Part III

Money

  • Follow the Money
  • Where Artists Lose Money They Already Earned
  • Streaming Is Revenue, Not the Entire Business

Part IV

Build the Business

  • Become a Business Before You Become a Brand Deal
  • Build the Team When the Work Requires It
  • Know Your Numbers

Part V

Build the Brand

  • Recognition Is Built
  • Your Visual World
  • Tell a Story People Can Enter

Part VI

Own the Audience

  • Followers Are Rented Ground
  • Build Your Digital Home
  • Direct-to-Fan

Part VII

Release

  • Stop Dropping Songs Into the Ocean
  • The 90-Day Release System
  • Release Day Is the Middle, Not the End

Part VIII

Scale

  • Build More Than One Revenue Stream
  • Catalog Is an Asset
  • Technology Should Multiply You, Not Erase You

Part IX

The Decision

  • Independent Does Not Mean Alone
  • When the Deal Comes
  • Build Until You Can Choose

Every chapter follows the same structure:

  • Key Idea
  • Plain-Language Explanation
  • Real-World Example
  • Common Mistake
  • Questions to Ask
  • Do This Now
  • Artist Checklist

Editions

Digital only — read on any phone, tablet or computer. Print is not offered at this time.

Before They Sign You — Digital Edition

The complete book as a downloadable digital edition. Delivered by secure download link after purchase.

$39

The Artist Blueprint Bundle

The digital edition of Before They Sign You plus The Complete Workbook — all twelve planners, checklists and worksheets — delivered together as one download.

$99

Questions

Who is this book for?

Independent artists at any stage — especially anyone releasing music, building an audience, or being offered an agreement for the first time.

Is this legal advice?

No. It is education that helps you understand the questions to ask. For decisions about a specific contract, consult a qualified music attorney.

What format is the digital edition?

A PDF you can read on any phone, tablet or computer. After purchase you receive a secure download link on the confirmation page and by email.

Is there a print edition?

Not at this time. The book is available as a digital edition only.

How is this different from the free articles?

The articles cover individual topics. The book is the complete, ordered system — every chapter follows the same format and ends with a checklist.

Want to start free? Explore Artist Education.

Free · Every few days, then occasionally

The MRG Artist Brief

A short series on ownership, getting paid, building an audience you own and releasing with a plan — then practical notes when there is something worth saying. Joining also unlocks every gated worksheet.