Starting with the 2026 Textbook Awards, TAA member author nominators will be able to nominate their works at a discounted rate. The TAA member-author nomination rate will be $250 (one book or two-book series) and $400 (three-book series). Publisher nomination rates will increase to $450 (one book or two-book series) $700 (three-book series). 2026 Textbook Awards Nominations are open September 1 to November 1.
A Publishing Strategy to Last a Career
By John Bond
Early in one’s career, academics and researchers focus on individual wins (read: getting published). Long term, however, they are better served by developing a personalized Publishing Strategy. This may sound highfalutin, but it is simpler than it sounds and easier to develop and curate over time than most people think.
First, what is a Publishing Strategy? A Publishing Strategy is a long-term, intentional plan for when, where, and how you publish your research, aligned with your academic goals, research agenda, and career stage. Most people only start to think about this after achieving their first position in academia. They’re anxious to get their first publication under their belt. It is gratifying, invalidating. This first publication might enable them to fulfill a requirement for employment or for a research grant. These first few wins are important, but I suggest you quickly move past them to develop a wider plan.
To Self-Publish or Not. That is the Question
By John Bond
Self-publishing has been through quite an evolution in my lifetime. From decades being thought of as “vanity publishing,” to an emerging option for both print and then digital in the Nineties, to complete acceptance and preference in many genres of fiction, self-publishing has transformed how authors think about getting their ideas and thoughts out to the world.
What Authors Need to Know About Cengage Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
On November 24, 2024, the federal district court in New York granted preliminary approval to a $20,990,000 settlement of claims of royalty underpayment by Cengage Learning, Inc., in a long-running lawsuit brought on behalf of Cengage textbook authors by the class action law firm Susman Godfrey. There is a January 22, 2025 deadline for any authors wish to opt out of the class or to object to the settlement.
Cengage authors have asked us various questions about the settlement. Zick Rubin, attorney at the Archstone Law Group and long-time TAA member (zrubin@archstonelaw.com), has provided some answers.
Top Hat Sponsoring 2025 TAA Conference on Textbook & Academic Authoring
A big thank you to Top Hat for sponsoring the 2025 TAA Virtual Conference on Textbook & Academic Authoring at the Bronze level.
Top Hat’s mission is to spark better teaching and learning for a brighter world. Its dynamic courseware helps educators deliver more engaging, relevant and inclusive learning experiences in and outside of the classroom, so all students can succeed. Its extensive catalog of interactive eTexts features titles across all major disciplines, optimized for active learning. With Top Hat Custom Solutions, its experienced team helps you build the exact textbook you need, whether it’s by creating original material, customizing existing content, personalizing OER, or mixing and matching. Their instructional design and project management expertise makes for a smooth process to create interactive course materials that meet your affordability goals and timeline. With unparalleled support, Top Hat is your partner in transforming engagement wherever and whenever learning takes place. Managing Director Donna Battista is a TAA Board Member.
Cengage Group Announces First Half Fiscal Year 2025 Results
Cengage Group, a leading global education and technology company, reported its financial results for the second quarter and first half of Fiscal Year 2025, ended September 30, 2024.
Adjusted Cash Revenue for the first half of Fiscal Year 2025 was $841 million, flat against a high comparative which benefitted from earlier ordering and favorable timing of several large deals. Adjusted Cash EBITDA for the first half of Fiscal Year 2025 was $323 million, an increase of 8 percent over the first half of Fiscal Year 2024. Operating cash flow was $128 million, more than double the $60 million in the prior period.