Choose a topic within your area of legal expertise and research it. If informing readers of all state and federal laws and court decisions on a topic, you might organize your book into chapters, sections and subsections similar to a state's code of laws, placing citations in footnotes on each page. Use a formal writing style for this type of book. If writing an instructive or opinion-based reference book, write in a more informal prose style. For this type of book, citations might be placed within the text or at the end of the book. Write a table of contents, at least two sample chapters and summaries of remaining chapters. Prepare a resume highlighting your education, employment and experience.
Identify a potential publisher by looking at the publishing information in similar reference books, reviewing publisher catalogs and networking with professional colleagues. Websites such as Find Law might also list legal publishers. If you find out that the publisher only considers manuscripts submitted through an agent, locate an agent who specializes in law.
Read manuscript submission guidelines which you can usually locate on the publisher or agent's website or by contacting the company. Some publishers and agents prefer to receive a query letter before considering your book proposal. In these cases, write a query letter describing your book and asking the editor or agent whether they would like to receive a proposal. Explain the reason you are writing the reference book and your qualifications. Describe the expected audience and how your book can be distinguished from similar books.
Submit a proposal if a query letter was not required or if the publisher or agent requests a proposal. The proposal might include the table of contents, sample chapters, summaries and your resume, although some guidelines might require you to submit the whole manuscript. Attach a letter similar to the query letter. Estimate the number of words your book will contain and when you could deliver the completed manuscript.
Negotiate contract terms if the publisher offers to publish the book. Write the rest of your law reference book. Submit the finished manuscript in the format required by the publisher and within their deadlines. You may need to revise text, provide illustrations, secure permissions and review proofs. Provide annual text updates to reflect changes in the law, if required by your contract. If your proposal is not accepted by the first publisher or agent you contact, consider submitting it to others.
Self-publish your law reference book if you prefer to control the publishing and promotion process. Hire professionals to edit and peer-review your manuscript. Enter into a contract with a company to print and bind the book or create digital versions. Decide upon a method for processing orders and shipping the books. Advertise your book to law libraries, law professors and practicing lawyers.