Benchbooks may range from comprehensive volumes on a single subject such as trials to those covering all judicial subjects requiring immediate reference while the judge is on the bench. Other formats may include flip-card reference systems or scripts that cover important judicial proceedings in a particular court. Following definitions of a benchbook, the decision to appoint a benchbook committee and the committee's role are discussed. Planning considerations are described including needs assessment, project scheduling, organization and content of the benchbook outline, approaches to authoring, and budget monitoring. Project funding considerations and proposal preparation also are considered. Design possibilities are described as they relate to front and end matter, text chapters, binding, and referencing schemes. The production process is described, and the role of the editor, consultants, and private contractors in production is discussed. Finally, model outlines are provided for a criminal and a civil law benchbook. Appendixes include sample funding proposals, a sample typesetting contract and specifications, and a sample printing and binding contract and specifications. Chapter references.