Below this are quite a few decent articles about what to do BEFORE recording. Read a few. :)
Before you come into John Cash you need to have the following things to make it smoothest for you:
1. Everyone needs to know the songs backwards and forwards if you want to finish in time.
2. Replace and tune strings and drum heads and make sure equipment is working WEEKS before coming in to record.
3. Print out several copies of your songs with the chords written out over the lyrics.
4.
Practice your songs.
5. Know your songs.
6. Practice them again.
10 Things To Do Before You Hit Record