Small businesses have to deal with contracts on a regular basis, but unfortunately most small businesses don't have in-house lawyers to ensure that contracts are fair or to create new contracts when necessary.

The Small-Business Contracts Handbook: Understand, Negotiate, and Avoid Problems helps small-business owners understand hundreds of standard contract clauses, such as those found in partnership agreements, lease agreements, and contracts for the purchase or sale of goods or a business.

Using everyday language, author Lawrence Hsieh takes readers step-by-step through standard clauses and explains their meanings. He pinpoints potential problems in contracts, and clarifies legal jargon in simple terms for the layperson.

While it takes a great deal of hard work to make a small business successful, it can also come down to paperwork. A well-written contract can make or break a business. Having a good understanding of standard business contracts and being able to negotiate and make changes to your own are critical skills essential to the effective running of a small business.