In this episode of Defend, Publish, and Lead, host Christine Tulley interviews Brenda Ulrich, a publishing attorney and board member of the Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA), about the organization and the upcoming 2026 TAA Summer Institute.

Brenda discusses TAA's unique value as a cross-disciplinary organization focused on supporting textbook and academic authors throughout their writing careers, not just the writing process itself, offering guidance on contracts, copyright, marketing, and other industry matters. She highlights her upcoming presentation on publishing contract negotiation, which will be an updated version covering both fundamental negotiation strategies and new considerations brought about by generative AI and changing industry practices, including how content is increasingly fragmented, bundled in subscription services, and distributed through platforms like inclusive access. The session is designed to benefit both new authors who need to understand contract basics and veteran authors facing new amendments, contract updates, or navigating an evolving publishing landscape where books from 1992 are being moved to much longer and more complex modern contracts.

Resource Mentioned:

• Textbook and Academic Authors Association Summer Institute

DPL Resources

• Tuesday Toolbox - contact [email protected] for subscription information
• Set your writing goals with us! Try us out in a free consultation.
• Check out our current and past workshops at Eventbrite for writing support content. A FREE webinar is posted each month. Missed a workshop? Request a workshop or webinar recording from [email protected]
• Don't forget about the wonderful resources at Textbook and Academic Authors Association. The organization can be found at: https://www.taaonline.net
• New to TAA? Join for just $25 using discount code DP25! You will also receive a copy of the eBook, Guide to Making Time to Write: 100+ Time & Productivity Management Tips for Textbook and Academic Authors.