Independent Thinking on Publishing's Future
Introduction One of the first questions that haunts every aspiring author is: How many words should a book be? It’s a perfectly reasonable question, but like most things in publishing, the answer is not simple. There’s no magical number that fits all books, and anyone claiming otherwise is either oversimplifying or trying to sell you … Read more
Introduction Large language models are already helping to write a measurable share of the scientific literature: one 2025 study estimates that at least 13.5% of biomedical abstracts published in 2024 were processed with an AI chatbot. This article looks at that evidence, why so much AI use goes undisclosed, why detection tools cannot settle the … Read more
Introduction American literature is a curious beast. It has been both a mirror and a magnifying glass, reflecting the nation’s spirit while also enlarging its flaws and contradictions. It has produced giants who shook the literary world, set trends that rippled globally, and sparked debates that still smolder. Yet today, a cloud hangs over American … Read more
Introduction Elsevier, now a division of RELX plc, remains the dominant player in academic publishing. If you’ve glanced at headlines or overheard the occasional mutter in a faculty lounge, you’ve likely noticed that this giant isn’t just surviving. It is thriving, raking in profits that make Silicon Valley unicorns blush. But how much profit did … Read more
Introduction Scientific publishing is a colossal industry, quietly shaping academic progress, technological innovation, and global policy decisions. While academic journals tend to dominate discussions about scholarly communication, scientific books are equally vital to the field. These books, ranging from comprehensive textbooks to advanced research monographs, play a crucial role in educating future scientists, advancing knowledge, … Read more