The Indie Managers Association (IMA) is making available the 2004 Management Manual.

The management manual is available for members and non-members alike. It is designed to give independent managers and other music professionals a detailed and comprehensive understanding of how the music business works. The manual is organized as a 'do-it' manual that allows managers to evaluate their progress and make sure they are doing all that they can do to achieve success for their artists and other clients. Some of the topics covered include:

• The role of a manager; personal, road, tour and business
• Management code of ethics and conduct
• Setting up your management business
• Finding artists and knowing what to look for in a client
• Raising funds for your project or campaign
• Understanding copyright law and licensing issues
• Understanding the music business; labels, producers, publishers, agents, publicists, promoters, distributors, retailers, media, venues, radio, etc.
• Analysis of a management contract
• Career planning for your artist / client
• The realities of building a career in today's music environment
• What record labels and music publishers look for
• Dealing with booking agents, event promoters, venue bookers and talent buyers
• Performing live and embarking on a money-making national and international tour
• Effective promotion and marketing techniques to increase product sales and artist exposure
• Understanding the media and what it takes to get meaningful coverage
• Pre-production, recording, mixing and mastering issues
• Starting a label and successfully releasing an independent record
• The manager - artist relationship
• Protecting your artist's name and image
• Building your support team
• Merchandising and Sponsorships

The association is currently accepting registrations for manager membership at http://www.indiemanagers.com.