From this concise textbook, a student may learn, step by step, how to prepare any kind of music manuscript; composers and copyists can use it for reference. Mender includes a large section on contemporary music, both classical and popular; a section on cueing; abundant illustrations; and an extensive index. The book is divided into sections on material and equipment; notation; general preparation; cueing; instruments (special notation and preparation); contemporary music ("serious" and popular); proofreading by way of counting measures; and duplication of manuscripts. The appendix excerpts music manuscripts and comments by several contemporary composers.