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 You00:34 Podcast Intro Disclaimer01:13 Why Write With ABA01:53 Carol Greenwald Background04:27 Lawyer Communication Gaps06:06 How People Remember07:51 Why Books Build Credibility09:06 Evergreen Versus AI Topics09:30 Choosing ABA Book Topics11:51 Clients Getting Tougher14:04 AI And Copyright Limits14:34 Using AI The Right Way17:29 What Makes Books Valuable20:30 Writing For Different Learners22:11 Guiding Readers With Breadcrumbs23:37 Publishing Goals And Deadlines25:23 Finishing A Book Is Hard28:32 How To Pitch The Pub Board29:31 Wrap Up And Thanks