Final answer:
The corresponding author is typically responsible for sharing reprints of a publication with readers. This individual manages communication during the submission and peer-review process and facilitates the distribution of reprints post-publication, all while respecting the copyright laws that give reproduction and distribution rights to the publisher.
Step-by-step explanation:
The corresponding author is normally responsible for sharing reprints of a publication with readers. In the academic publishing context, the corresponding author is the person who handles the manuscript during the submission process, responds to editorial queries, and communicates with the co-authors about revisions and final approval of the proofs. They also share reprints with researchers or institutions who request them. The corresponding author may also assist in the distribution of the work for educational or scholarly use, adhering to copyright regulations as stipulated by the publisher.
The corresponding author plays a pivotal role not only during the submission and peer-review process but also in the publication, distribution, and promotion of the research work. Although contributors such as editors, reviewers, and illustrators are integral to the process, their roles are distinct and do not include the responsibility of distributing reprints. Furthermore, it's important to note that while the initial distribution of the reprints is typically the responsibility of the corresponding author, ultimate rights for further reproduction and distribution are reserved by the publisher, as outlined in copyright laws.