How to Write and Publish a Book with the ABA (and Why It Matters)

This episode of the Law Practice Today podcast features Terrell A. Turner, CPA's interview with Carol Greenwald, chair of the Law Practice Division Publication Board, about what it really takes to write and publish a book with the ABA. Greenwald shares her background transitioning from academia to law firm consulting focused on communication, and explains that lawyers are trained in law but not always in clear communication with clients and teams. She discusses why people write books (reputation and expertise), how the division selects topics across business, finance, management, marketing, and technology, and why “evergreen” subjects differ from fast-changing topics like AI. Greenwald outlines appropriate and inappropriate uses of AI in writing, the challenges of completing a nonfiction book on deadline, and how to pitch a book idea to the Pub Board via a questionnaire process.

00:00 Writing Sounds Like You
00:34 Podcast Intro Disclaimer
01:13 Why Write With ABA
01:53 Carol Greenwald Background
04:27 Lawyer Communication Gaps
06:06 How People Remember
07:51 Why Books Build Credibility
09:06 Evergreen Versus AI Topics
09:30 Choosing ABA Book Topics
11:51 Clients Getting Tougher
14:04 AI And Copyright Limits
14:34 Using AI The Right Way
17:29 What Makes Books Valuable
20:30 Writing For Different Learners
22:11 Guiding Readers With Breadcrumbs
23:37 Publishing Goals And Deadlines
25:23 Finishing A Book Is Hard
28:32 How To Pitch The Pub Board
29:31 Wrap Up And Thanks