how to find a lawyer for a book

What is the best book for a new lawyer?

The 8 Best Books for New Lawyers in 2021. Best Overall: The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book: A Survival Guide. Buy on Amazon. Consider this book your textbook to getting through “4L,” your first ... Best Workplace Primer: The New Lawyer's Handbook. Best For Helping You Keep Your Cool: Flourish. Best For ...

How do I find a good lawyer?

Most communities have referral services to help people find lawyers. You might be able to find them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or something similar in your yellow pages. These services usually recommend a lawyer in the area to evaluate a situation.

Where can I find free reviews of a lawyer?

Many websites offer free reviews of businesses. Some places to look for lawyer reviews include: LegalZoom, Rocketlawyer, LawTrades, and Avvo.com. Some websites, such as LawHelp.org, focus on helping low-income individuals find attorneys. Cross reference reviews from more than one website.

How do I get Started with the FindLaw lawyer directory?

Welcome to the FindLaw Lawyer Directory, featuring detailed profiles of attorneys from across the United States. To get started use the search box or click on a city, state, or legal issue. If you haven't hired an attorney before, you may want to consult FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer and Guide to the U.S. Legal System.

How much does a publishing lawyer cost?

As far as costs are concerned, hiring a lawyer to review a contract can be pricey, ranging from $300-1000 depending on the lawyer's hourly rate and the contract's complexity. It can be even pricier if you want them to actually negotiate to contract for you, falling somewhere between $500-3000.

Do you need a lawyer to publish a book?

Book Publishing Contracts: Why You Need a Lawyer The reality is, my prospective publisher—like all publishers—drafted the agreement with an eye toward minimizing the publisher's risk, as it should. Publishers write contracts to minimize THEIR risk, not yours. That's why all authors need a lawyer.

What kind of lawyer does an author need?

Literary lawyers or literary attorneys serve authors in a different capacity than literary agents, a strictly legal one. In other words, literary lawyers or literary attorneys don't advise their clients about their writing, nor do they try to get them book deals.

Do publishing companies need lawyers?

Every publishing company that puts a contract in front of you has a lawyer or a legal department advising them.

Can I be a lawyer and an author?

It is possible to be both a good lawyer and a good writer. That's my current goal, and as the list of successful lawyer/writers is long and growing, I know it's attainable with a lot of effort.

Is the Authors Guild worth it?

At any level, joining The Authors Guild is a wise career move with an outstanding cost benefit analysis. The dues are insanely low for what you get from it. You have access to important events, educational material, legal support and an inside look at the industry.

Is the Authors Guild a union?

The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) is a labor union composed of the thousands of writers who write the television shows, movies, news programs, documentaries, animation, videogames and new media content that keep audiences constantly entertained and informed.

What is the order of John Grisham books?

John Grisham Books in Order – The Legal StoriesThe Firm (1991)The Pelican Brief (1992)The Client (1993)The Chamber (1994)The Rainmaker (1995)The Runaway Jury (1996)The Partner (1997)The Street Lawyer (1998)More items...•

For Agents

Expedite your negotiations by outsourcing contract review, freeing up your time to find new talent, manage current clients, and make deals.

For Authors

A publishing attorney can guide you through the publishing process and advocate on your behalf, getting you the strongest deal terms and protecting your rights as an author. Author services include:

For Publishers

Streamline your contract negotiations and maintain a consistently strong boilerplate without hiring an in-house attorney. Publisher services include:

About Literary Lawyer

Melissa Nasson founded Literary Lawyer to combine her diverse legal and publishing background with her desire to provide expert consultation, legal review, and negotiation services to agents, authors, and publishers. Melissa brings the unique experience of working on both sides of the publishing negotiation table.

How to find a lawyer for a lawsuit?

Here are a few other sources you can turn to for possible candidates in your search for a lawyer: 1 The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. 2 The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area. For example, if your dispute involves trying to stop a major new subdivision, it would make sense to consult an environmental group committed to fighting urban sprawl. 3 A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. 4 A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Who is the best source of business lawyers?

The director of your state or local chamber of commerce may be a good source of business lawyers. The director of a nonprofit group interested in the subject matter that underlies your lawsuit is sure to know lawyers who work in that area.

What is Nolo lawyer directory?

Nolo offers a unique lawyer directory that provides a comprehensive profile for each attorney with information that will help you select the right attorney. The profiles tell you about the lawyer's experience, education, and fees, and perhaps most importantly, the lawyer's general philosophy of practicing law.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer referral services are another source of information. There is a wide variation in the quality of lawyer referral services, however, even though they are required to be approved by the state bar association. Some lawyer referral services carefully screen attorneys and list only those attorneys with particular qualifications and a certain amount of past experience, while other services will list any attorney in good standing with the state bar who maintains liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, ask what its qualifications are for including an attorney and how carefully lawyers are screened.

How much does a lawyer charge an hour?

Lawyers, of course, are prime sources of this information, but if you bought all the needed information at their rates -- $150 to $450 an hour -- you'd quickly empty your bank account.

What can a law librarian do?

A law librarian can help identify authors in your state who have written books or articles on a particular subject -- for example, construction law. A women's or men's support group will probably have a list of well-regarded family and divorce lawyers.

Can lawyers be terrible communicators?

Unfortunately, the complaint logs of all lawyer regulator y groups indicate that many lawyers are terrible communicators. If every time you have a problem there's a delay of several days before you can talk to your lawyer on the phone or get an appointment, you'll lose precious time, not to mention sleep.

Contract Review & Assistance

The terms of your publishing agreements determine the control you retain over your works, as well as how much you’re paid. Our legal team will review your contracts at no charge and help you understand what you’re giving away before it’s too late.

Improving Your Book Contract

The terms of your publishing agreement determine the control you retain over your work, as well as how much you’re paid for it. Our contract review will help you identify and avoid all kinds of traps in publishing agreements.

Copyright Advice

Do you have a question on copyright registration, fair use, renewal, copyright duration, or infringement? Are you trying to obtain permission to use another’s work? Need guidance on terminating an old publishing agreement under the copyright law’s termination provisions? If your book is approaching its 35th year in print, you may be able to terminate your book contract and get your rights back..

Writer's Legal Guide

Sooner or later, any writer who publishes will encounter a legal question. The answer is probably in the Writer’s Legal Guide. The updated fourth edition of this legal handbook is an indispensable resource for all writers who want to protect their work and succeed in both traditional and digital markets.

Dispute Intervention

The fact that we write for a living doesn’t mean we’re above the fray. Business disputes happen, even to authors. Whether it’s a payment problem, a reversion of rights dispute, a publication delay, or virtually any other issue that may arise, we’ll advise our members appropriately—and we may even be able to intervene if necessary.

Model Book Contract

The Authors Guild Model Trade Book Contract is a classic and invaluable reference guide. Newly updated to include recent changes in the treatment of digital rights, the Model Contract examines publishing contracts clause-by-clause, empowering authors with knowledge and insight for their negotiations with their publishers.

References, Forms, & Seminars

The Authors Guild offers seminars and symposia to members in person and through phone and video conferences on legal matters of professional interest, such as contract negotiation, electronic rights, publicity rights, agency arrangements, enforcing your rights, and legal trends in publishing and copyright.

How important is finding a good attorney?

Finding a good attorney may be the most important step you can take toward winning a legal case and it doesn't have to be a difficult task. You will, however, need to take your time with the search.

What is a family law attorney?

Family law attorneys handle matters such as separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, child custody and support. Personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys handle cases involving medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents and any injury to a person that may be the fault of another.

What percentage of a settlement does an attorney receive?

The attorney will receive a percentage of the settlement amount, usually between 30 to 40 percent.

How many years of experience do I need to become an attorney?

Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least three to five years of experience practicing the type of law you need help with. Additionally, you should choose an attorney that currently practices in the area you need help with.

Do I have to pay more for legal fees?

Keep in mind that even with a strict budget, if your case becomes significantly more complicated or takes significantly longer than the attorney originally anticipated, you may need to pay more in legal fees. If you cannot afford the attorney’s fees upfront, ask about potential arrangements such as payment plans.

Do attorneys charge for consultations?

Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free. However, some may charge a small fee for a consultation. Make certain that you know whether you will be charged, and don't make an appointment with an attorney who isn't forthcoming about these details. Most attorneys offer consultations for free.

Why is it important to understand a lawyer's previous experience?

Understanding a lawyer’s previous experience is essential to understanding how they can handle your case. You’ll want to ask how many years the lawyer has been practicing. A lack of experience doesn’t necessarily make for a bad lawyer, though, especially if they have experienced lawyers around them.

Why are lawyers important?

Lawyers are also important partners in situations that don’t involve the courtroom, advising clients about their legal rights and obligations for personal or business issues. They are trained to interpret complicated systems of laws and navigate the court system.

What is an hourly rate for a lawyer?

Hourly Rate: Lawyers often charge an agreed-upon hourly rate for their work, and the work of their assistants. The hourly rate applies to both face-to-face consultations and behind-the-scenes work on your case. A good lawyer will usually be able to estimate the required number of hours per case in advance.

Is a bankruptcy attorney's fee refundable?

These are usually non-refundable if you choose to terminate the case early. Statutory Fee: Sometimes, state or local law determines a set amount that you owe your attorney for certain services, like bankruptcy cases and probate issues. A court may also set a statutory fee, though this isn’t standard.

Look for Attorneys in Popular Cities

Welcome to the FindLaw Lawyer Directory, featuring detailed profiles of attorneys from across the United States. To get started use the search box or click on a city, state, or legal issue. If you haven't hired an attorney before, you may want to consult FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer and Guide to the U.S. Legal System.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Don't be intimidated by the thought of hiring a lawyer. Their job is to help you find the best solution to your legal issue. Here are some examples of when it is best to hire a lawyer:

What percentage of books are sold by literary agents?

In today’s market, probably 80 percent of books published by New York houses get sold by literary agents. Agents are experts in the publishing industry and represent the interests of their author-clients. They have inside contacts with specific publishers and know which editors are most likely to buy a particular work.

How to write a query letter for a novel?

Okay, let’s assume you’re ready. Every agent has unique requirements for submitting your materials. The most common materials you’ll be asked for: 1 Query letter. This is a one-page pitch letter that gives a brief description of your work. Here’s how to write a query for a novel. Here’s another post on writing a query for a nonfiction book. 2 Novel synopsis. This is a brief summary (usually no more than one or two pages) of your story, from beginning to end. It must reveal the ending. Here’s how to write one. 3 Nonfiction book proposal. These are complex documents, usually twenty to thirty pages in length (minimum). For more explanation, see my comprehensive post. 4 Novel proposal. This usually refers to your query letter, a synopsis, and perhaps the first chapter. There is not an industry-standard definition of what a novel proposal is. 5 Sample chapters. When sending sample chapters from your novel or memoir, start from the beginning of the manuscript. (Don’t select a middle chapter, even if you think it’s your best.) For nonfiction, usually any chapter is acceptable.

What is a request for a partial manuscript?

A request for a partial manuscript and possibly a synopsis. A request for the full manuscript. If you receive no requests for the manuscript or book proposal, then there might be something wrong with your query.

Can you send a sample chapter of a book?

Sample chapters. When sending sample chapters from your novel or memoir, start from the beginning of the manuscript. (Don’t select a middle chapter, even if you think it’s your best.) For nonfiction, usually any chapter is acceptable. Important: Almost no agent accepts full manuscripts on first contact.

Do agents want to see a fiction manuscript?

If you write fiction, the agent will want to see the full manuscript (assuming you’re an unpublished or unproven fiction writer). If you write nonfiction, the marketability of your idea and your platform often matter as much as the writing, if not more so.

Learn the stuff law school didn't teach you

We are committed to researching, testing, and recommending the best products. We may receive commissions from purchases made after visiting links within our content. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall: The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book: A Survival Guide

Consider this book your textbook to getting through “4L,” your first year as a lawyer in the real world.

Best Workplace Primer: The New Lawyer's Handbook

Law school teaches you how to perform the research work of being a lawyer, but that’s only half of the battle. Once you have graduated and landed a job, whether, in a large multinational firm or your private practice, you have got to learn how to build relationships. It is also important to work well with others and handle challenging clients.

Best For Helping You Keep Your Cool: Flourish

If there’s one thing no one likes, it’s a hot-headed lawyer. Not only is flying off the handle terrible for your mental health and personal life, but it also is a source of frustration for everyone around you.

Best For Aspiring Activist Attorneys: The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow

Charles Darrow was one of the most prolific lawyers who ever lived. In 1984, he resigned from his lucrative job as chief counsel for a railway company to defend Eugene V. Debs, president of the nascent American Railway Union, pro-bono.

Best Memoir: My Life in Court by Louis Nizer

This classic book has been captivating readers since the 1960s. Inside, brilliant attorney Louis Nizer recounts his role in helping shape some of the most classic trademark, copyright and defamation cases in U.S. history.

Best If You Feel Like Giving Up: From Law School to Lawyer

Law school is expensive: you pour three years of your life and potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars into something that isn’t even necessarily guaranteed to pay off in the long run.

Legal Aid Ontario

Legal Aid Ontario ( LAO) provides legal services at a reduced cost for low-income individuals.

Legal aid clinics

Depending on the nature of your legal issue, you can also contact a community legal clinic for assistance. Community legal clinics are non-profit legal centres funded by Legal Aid Ontario and provide information, legal advice and representation.

ARCH Disability Law Centre

ARCH Disability Law Centre is a specialty legal clinic that provides legal services to people with disabilities.

Pro Bono Ontario

Pro Bono Ontario ( PBO) provides free legal services for people who need help with non-family and non-criminal matters and don’t qualify for legal aid.

Human Rights Legal Support Centre

The Human Rights Legal Support Centre ( HRLSC) provides human rights legal services to individuals whose rights have been violated contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code. The HRLSC staff collectively speak over 15 languages and can provide services in over 140 languages.

JusticeNet

JusticeNet is a not-for-profit legal service that helps people whose income is too high to qualify for legal aid and too low to afford standard legal fees. Participating professionals, including licensed lawyers, mediators and paralegals, offer assistance to eligible clients at reduced fees.

Complaints concerning Human Rights Legal Support Centre counsel

Learn more about the Human Rights Legal Support Centre’s formal complaints policy.