The textbook, rebuilt on the science of learning.
For more than two decades we've published academic books. Then we asked a harder question: what if a book could teach the way the brain actually learns? The answer is ActiveBook — interactive publishing grounded in learning science.
Two decades of publishing craft.
One breakthrough platform.
Born in print
We began as a traditional academic press — editors, peer review, and beautifully made books across the disciplines.
Why do students forget?
Decades of classroom feedback pointed to the same problem: reading alone doesn't build mastery. The research agreed.
Learning science, applied
We rebuilt our publishing process around active learning, retrieval practice, and immediate feedback — before it was fashionable.
The ActiveBook era
Every principle we learned in 20+ years of publishing, engineered into a living, interactive book platform.
A platform is software.
Linus is a publishing partner.
Courseware companies hand you tools. We bring 20+ years of editorial craft and the technology — one team, from manuscript to classroom.
- Editorial partnership — real editors who shape your manuscript, not a template.
- Instructional design — interactions blueprinted around your learning objectives.
- Media production — custom simulations, animations, and video built for your subject.
- Marketing & distribution — our academic network puts your work in classrooms.
- A living book — update content in real time; analytics show what's working.
- Codeless LMS access — students launch from Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle with LTI 1.3 single sign-on.
ActiveConnect: one click from campus to ActiveBook
ActiveConnect connects campus bookstores, universities' LMSs, and distribution partners to ActiveBook — students get their textbook with one click, no codes, no registration.
Bookstores
Register instantly, order seats, assign by student email. No codes for students to type.
For bookstores →Universities & LMS
LTI 1.3 tool for D2L Brightspace, Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard. About 15 minutes to set up.
For universities →Distribution partners
VitalSource- and Follett Willo-compatible via LTI 1.3 launch or access-code inventory.
For partners →
Authors stay with us for a reason
The success of my book Transforming Self: BodyMindSpirit is a testament of your unwavering commitment and expertise. Thank you.
The more complex the manuscript, the more reason to choose Linus.
The people at Linus have provided encouragement throughout my work. They have not been only colleagues, but true friends.
Guides for textbook authors
Getting Your Textbook Adopted: Desk Copies, Instructor Resources and LMS Access
Textbooks sell when instructors assign them. How adoption decisions are actually made, what removes friction — desk copies, ancillaries, accessibility, LMS access — and what an author can usefully do.
Read article →Can I Assign My Own Textbook? Conflict-of-Interest Policies Explained
Most institutions allow instructors to assign their own textbook — with conditions. The common policy patterns, how to find yours, and how to handle royalties on your own students' purchases.
Read article →Interactive Textbook vs PDF or eBook: What Changes for the Author
An interactive textbook is not a PDF with videos. What the research says about learning by doing, how it changes the way you write, and what an author actually has to provide.
Read article →Your expertise deserves more than a PDF.
Tell a publishing editor about the course you would turn into a book — no proposal needed yet, just two decades of experience on the other end of the line.
Ask an EditorReady now? Submit a full book proposal →