Kuala Lampur, Sept. 22 -- A few days ago, while I was settling into my office at UM Press, my secretary sent me a WhatsApp message.

"Prof, gentle reminder. Meeting with the Faculty of Law management at 2.30 pm today to discuss the faculty's book publishing strategy."

I replied with a simple, "Noted. Thanks."

The rest of the day unfolded very much as expected. There were emails waiting to be answered, manuscripts to review, a couple of phone calls in between, and, of course, the meeting itself.

We discussed publishing plans, possible book titles and series (and a co-publication opportunity with an international publisher), timelines and the kinds of manuscripts that might interest a wider (non-law) audience.

Tea and sandwiches were se...