Zul M 
Introduction The publishing industry, long perceived as a bastion of tradition, has been thoroughly disrupted—not by Amazon (though it tried), not by ebooks (though they caused a stir), but by TikTok. More specifically, a niche on TikTok: BookTok. What began as a modest digital book club populated by impassioned readers has exploded into a juggernaut … Read more
Introduction Australia’s publishing industry in 2025 is a paradoxical beast—simultaneously evolving and entrenched, vibrant and vulnerable. On one hand, digital innovation, sustainability, and social media have opened new doors for readers and writers alike. On the other hand, consolidation among major players, the fragility of independent publishers, and the looming presence of AI have cast … Read more
Introduction In the high-minded world of academic publishing, one might assume transparency and ethical integrity form the backbone of the industry. After all, it’s about knowledge, right? But peer behind the curtain, and you’ll uncover a troubling reality: the practice of “double-dipping.” It’s a term that should make every scholar’s eyebrow twitch and every librarian’s … Read more
Introduction Academic journals are famously sluggish. Submitting a paper can feel like tossing it into a black hole, waiting months—sometimes over a year—for a verdict that ranges from “revise and resubmit” to the dreaded “desk rejection.” This pace can be maddening for authors, especially early-career researchers on the tenure clock or those in fast-moving fields. … Read more
Introduction Open access publishing is one of those revolutionary ideas that seems obvious in hindsight. Who wouldn’t want free and unrestricted access to scholarly knowledge, particularly when much of it is publicly funded? Yet, this movement, now synonymous with modern academic progress, has a murky and complex history. The phrase “open access” itself only entered … Read more