Textbook & Academic Authors Association

06/24/2026

Now that you graduated, you no longer have to spend every waking moment working on your dissertation. Is it any wonder you suddenly feel unmoored and unnerved? Dr. Noelle Sterne is here to help you regroup and move forward.

By Dr. Noelle Sterne Q: I just graduated and feel a ridiculous void! What should I do? — Destitute Without Dissertation A: A well-known motivational truism proclaims that the most dangerous time is when you’ve reached a goal. This maxim may explain why many doctoral candidates experience Post-Pa...

06/23/2026

Congratulations to TAA member John Bond, whose novel "To the End of Reckoning" will be released in August. John's first work of fiction is a speculative thriller that envisions what would happen if a film existed of every major historical event, from footage of Caesar’s assassination to Columbus landing in the Americas. It sounds like a great summer read (or anytime read)! Well done, John!

TAA member John Bond authored To the End of Reckoning, which is set to be released in August. His first work of fiction, it is a speculative thriller that envisions what would happen if a film existed of every major historical event, from footage of Caesar's assassination or Columbus landing in the....

06/19/2026

It's been a busy week for TAA and the textbook and academic authoring community! Here are a few of the highlights:

🤝 The 2026 TAA Institute for Textbook and Academic Authors, which took place June 12-13, allowed veteran and new/aspiring textbook and academic authors across writing disciplines to do a deep dive on topics that met their experience levels. Bryan Alexander’s keynote on the future of textbook publishing led to a lively discussion about where the industry is headed, especially as it relates to AI. https://blog.taaonline.net/2026/06/2026-taa-institute-wrap-up/

🎉 Big congrats to Brenda Ulrich and David Slarskey on receiving the 2026 TAA Distinguished Service Award and 2026 TAA President’s Award, respectively! https://blog.taaonline.net/2026/06/brenda-ulrich-receives-2026-taa-distinguished-service-award/
https://blog.taaonline.net/2026/06/david-slarskey-receives-2026-taa-presidents-award/

📰 In industry news, learn how GOP lawmakers are reshaping education, Columbia University's new testing requirements and more. https://blog.taaonline.net/2026/06/industry-news-round-up-week-of-6-17-26/

The 2026 TAA Institute for Textbook and Academic Authors, which took place June 12-13, allowed veteran and new/aspiring textbook and academic authors across multiple writing disciplines to do a deep dive on topics that met their experience levels.

06/18/2026

TAA member and intellectual property attorney Brenda Ulrich is the recipient of the 2026 TAA Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have given back to their fellow members through acts of sustained service.

“I worked closely over the past year with Brenda as she passionately advocated for the rights of university press and educational authors in the Bartz v. Anthropic copyright infringement case,” said TAA Executive Director Kim Pawlak.

Brenda also serves as chair of TAA’s AI Committee and was instrumental in the drafting and approval of TAA’s AI Policy Statement. She also serves on the TAA Board.

Thank you, Brenda, for your service to the association! https://blog.taaonline.net/2026/06/brenda-ulrich-receives-2026-taa-distinguished-service-award/

06/18/2026

TAA member and attorney David Slarskey was selected by TAA Board President Dione Taylor as the recipient of her 2026 TAA President’s Award. Slarskey was recognized for his work on behalf of textbook and academic authors in the Bartz v. Anthropic copyright infringement case.

“Your impactful work on behalf of educational authors deserves recognition and thanks,” said Taylor. “Your dedicated, days-long, service through this process is worth noting. Thank you for supporting this important cause, as the labor of authors is not free to excerpt nor poach without consent.”

Congratulations, David! 🎉 🎉 🎉

https://blog.taaonline.net/2026/06/david-slarskey-receives-2026-taa-presidents-award/

06/17/2026

On June 11-12, 2027, TAA is stepping away from the screen and onto the stage--and we want you to be on it! We are officially opening our Call for Proposals for sessions at the 2027 Textbook and Academic Authoring conference in Austin, Texas. We're looking for speakers who can bring engaging energy to relevant topics shaping our industry such as:

✅ artificial intelligence
✅ changes in publishing contracts
✅ time and productivity management
✅ textbook development
✅ emerging tech tools
➕️ many more.

Submissions are open through October 9!

https://www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/e6087866-b92c-4a79-96d2-067be8515be2

06/15/2026

Seven authors of 2026 TAA Textbook Awards share how much time they spend writing and the strategies they use to fit writing into their schedules. From time blocking to writing in bursts to incentivizing progress, this post provides a wealth of advice for all kinds of writers. Which tip do you find most helpful?

We asked 2026 TAA Textbook Award winners what strategies they use to fit writing into their schedules, and they delivered. From early risers to the Nordstrom women’s sofa lounge, you’ll find a tip and location that speaks to you.

06/14/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who attended or supported the 2026 TAA Institute for Textbook and Academic Authors on Friday and Saturday, June 12-13, including our presenters, participants, sponsors, and partners. It was an awesome and engaging experience thanks to all of you! Stay tuned for tons of learnings from the event on the TAA blog in the coming weeks and months.

🗓️ And don't forget to mark your calendar for next year's conference, which will be held live and in person June 11 and 12, 2027, in Austin, Texas!🤠

To accommodate the needs of all members, TAA Conferences will alternate between in-person and virtual, with the next virtual conference to be held in 2028.

06/11/2026

Tomorrow is the day—and the beauty of virtual gatherings is that you CAN wait until the last minute to register. Join us for the TAA Institute for Textbook & Academic Authors June 12-13. The event is designed to support authors across different experience levels. Do a deep dive on the topics that matter most to you!

The event will feature four Learning Labs focused on the needs and interests of veteran and new or aspiring textbook and academic authors. Each lab will be followed by a moderated Q&A, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and connect with your fellow attendees.

The event will also feature:
🤖 A Keynote Presentation by Futurist Bryan Alexander
📜 A special session on contracts for textbook authors by Attorney Brenda Ulrich
✍️ Guided Co-Working Sessions for focused writing time
📚️ A bookstore where you can feature your books and build your personal library

TAA Council Elections Information.

06/10/2026

What does the future of textbook and academic publishing look like in the age of artificial intelligence? According to Bryan Alexander, an internationally recognized, award-winning futurist, researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and educator, the answer is already taking shape.

Ahead of his session at TAA’s 2026 Virtual Textbook & Academic Authoring Institute, Alexander joined mathematics textbook author Michael Sullivan—the Institute’s keynote namesake—for a wide-ranging discussion on AI, authorship, and the opportunities and challenges facing academic authors.

He will explore these issues further during his presentation, “How the AI Revolution is Impacting the Future of Textbook & Academic Publishing,” on Friday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET.

What does the future of textbook and academic publishing look like in the age of artificial intelligence? According to Bryan Alexander, award-winning futurist, researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and educator recognized internationally, the answer is already beginning to take shape.