What does "publication" mean?

The term "publication" refers specifically to the process of making a written work accessible to the public. This encompasses various methods of disseminating text or information, such as printing books, distributing articles, or sharing digital content online. The essence of publication is to reach an audience and ensure that the content is available for public consumption, thereby allowing information, ideas, or creative works to be shared widely.

While brainstorming ideas, sharing drafts, and making corrections are important aspects of the writing and revision process, they do not capture the primary meaning of publication. These activities are typically steps leading up to the actual publication event, but they do not align with the formal action of making a work available for public viewing or use. Hence, the focus on accessibility to the public clearly defines the correct understanding of "publication."