Zul M

Zul Musa has over a decade of experience in publishing, working with one of the biggest scholarly publishers in a Malaysian research university. His interests lie in publishing trends and technology, open access and digital publishing. Zul has served in various capacities throughout many years, including editing, copyediting, journal administration, designing, and marketing. A book author and a keen writer, he was one of the recipients of the Malaysia Website Awards 2017.

How to Incorporate AI in Your Publishing Workflow Without Losing the Human Touch

4 May 2025 by Zul M

Introduction AI isn’t coming to academic publishing; it’s already here. From manuscript screening and metadata enrichment to peer review support and marketing automation, artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in every stage of the scholarly publishing process. But unlike some industries where AI replaces human labor wholesale, publishing demands a subtler approach. Here, the challenge isn’t … Read more

From Manuscript to Metadata: A Modern Academic Publishing Workflow Explained

3 May 2025 by Zul M

Introduction In today’s academic publishing landscape, workflows aren’t just about producing books or journals—they’re about creating structured, discoverable, and durable digital content. For decades, many presses relied on linear, manual processes that were editorially sound but digitally fragile. That model doesn’t cut it anymore. An efficient publishing workflow must now support digital interoperability, rich metadata, … Read more

Why Academic Publishers Must Rethink Their Metadata Strategy in 2025

2 May 2025 by Zul M

Introduction In academic publishing, metadata has often been treated as an afterthought—something to be handled quickly during production or relegated to technical staff behind the scenes. But in 2025, this approach is not only outdated—it’s risky. As search engines, digital repositories, and top journal databases increasingly rely on structured, machine-readable information, robust metadata has become … Read more

The American Book Publishing Market in 2025: An Overview

23 April 2025 by Zul M

Introduction The American book publishing industry stands at a pivotal point in 2025. As digital transformation continues to alter the landscape of content creation, distribution, and consumption, publishers are reimagining their strategies to remain competitive and relevant. The industry, long rooted in tradition, is now embracing the necessity of agility, innovation, and inclusivity. Against a … Read more

Examining the Asian Self-Publishing Market in 2025

19 April 2025 by Zul M

Introduction The global publishing industry has witnessed a paradigm shift in recent years, with self-publishing gaining unprecedented momentum. Nowhere is this more evident than in Asia, where digital advancement, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural diversity have transformed how stories are written, shared, and consumed. In 2025, the Asian self-publishing market stands at a fascinating crossroads. While … Read more