Consult your publisher. The first thing that you should do is consult your publisher to see if it has any requirements. Your publisher is your primary concern, so it should always be the first point of contact.
Research similar reference books. You want your work to stand apart, but it is still necessary to arrange your material in a style that is similar to that of other books of the genre. Check your local library or bookstore.
Draft your work and make sure you use a single universal referencing style. Writers use various referencing types -- Harvard, MLA and APA are among the most common. Knowing these styles is essential if you are planning on arranging an academic or scholarly work.