One Hit Wonders is a complete introduction to the music industry from the initiation of production to distribution of the final product. Each chapter is related to a popular film about the industry, making the content highly accessible and creating a cycle of fictional rock cinema linked to informative text.

The book neatly sidesteps conventional organization, with material grouped into clean, clear sections that focus on archetypes, emotions, and experiences. Rather than addressing the best way to find and hire a publicist, the book encourages readers to examine the moment that musical magic begins to brew.

Through iconic films like Jailhouse Rock and Phantom of the Paradise, readers explore topics such as the mores of existing as a musician in this modern world and music's ability to create enormous possibilities for personal transformation.