LaTeX remains the gold standard for complex mathematical and scientific manuscripts; however, publishers are increasingly demanding streamlined, XML-first workflows as they seek to integrate with their modern digital publishing pipelines.
We’ve seen how recent industry developments indicate that publishers are leveraging AI tools to automate manuscript intake processes, including metadata extraction and technical validation; however, LaTeX integration remains a blockage. Publishers face core operational challenges—authors who are comfortable with LaTeX’s precision often lack the coding expertise for complex implementations. At the same time, editorial teams struggle with steep learning curves that can significantly extend production timelines.
The preference for XML-first workflows has increased, with publishers recognising that starting with XML content rather than traditional word processing formats offers greater flexibility and future-proofing. However, converting LaTeX’s rich mathematical notation and complex formatting into accessible HTML and ePub formats while maintaining fidelity presents ongoing technical challenges. Accessibility compliance adds another layer of complexity, as WCAG standards require specialised workflows to tag scientific notation for screen readers properly.
Collaboration is often fragmented, with authors creating content in LaTeX, while publishers rely on Word-centric or proprietary systems, such as InDesign. This creates inefficient conversion processes and quality control challenges. Progressive publishers are increasingly focusing on building thoughtful systems that combine AI and human judgment to maintain editorial integrity while managing the growing volume of manuscripts.
As automation adoption accelerates across all industries, publishers are actively seeking solutions that can bridge the LaTeX-XML divide without sacrificing the precision that makes LaTeX indispensable for scientific publishing.
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