Stay updated on the latest news, advancements, and changes that are shaping the textbook and academic authoring industry with our bi-weekly Industry News Round-Up. Have an item to share? Email Sierra.Pawlak@TAAonline.net.
Academic Freedom at UT ‘Being Dismantled,’ Says Professor Denied Tenure (July 22, 2026)
Our focus remains on networking and professional development throughout the 2027 Conference. If you have a collection of tips, or an interactive session style that gets people talking and networking, we want you on our agenda! Help us create an environment where attendees don’t just listen but actively collaborate and walk away with actionable strategies.
By Kim Pawlak
On July 20, 2026, United States District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin approved the final settlement in the landmark $1.5 billion copyright infringement class action Bartz v. Anthropic, calling the settlement “fair, reasonable, and adequate.” The court also ruled that the proposed settlement “was negotiated at arm’s length; the relief provided for the Class is adequate; and the proposed Settlement treats Class Members equitably relative to each other.” She overruled all 53 objections filed with the court opposing the settlement on various grounds.
An article on Medium is warning of “a widespread, fast-growing form of Internet fraud directly targeting authors — especially self-published, indie, and late-career writers.”
If you receive a “friendly” email congratulating you on your book, followed by another email asking you to pay an “administration”, “spotlight”, “honorarium contribution”, or “coordination fee”, it is a scam. Don’t fall for their claim you are missing a “valuable opportunity.”
By Kim Pawlak
While class members await United States District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin’s approval of the final settlement in the landmark $1.5 billion copyright infringement class action Bartz v. Anthropic, class attorney Rohit Nath, a partner at Susman Godfrey, said class members can reach out to the claims administrator for a report on their claim. That report, he said, includes “any other parties that have filed claims on their work and the requested percentages.”
By John Bond
Video: Watch it. Love it. Ignore it. Hate it. Dread it. Sick of it. Fear it. Resent it. You have your choice.
I have been speaking and advocating for video content for over ten years. For this blog and at annual conference I have advocated for video, so if you have heard this tune before, please give me a moment. So much is happening, I need space to update you on several topics.
