Association of American Publishers (AAP) The Association of American Publishers (AAP) represents the leading book, journal, and education publishers in the United States on matters of law and policy, advocating for outcomes that incentivize the publication of creative expression, professional content, and learning solutions. Whether advocating for strong copyright policies, protecting free speech, or promoting the advancement of research and scholarship, the focus of AAP is on the central role that publishers play in enhancing culture, education, workforce, and democracy.