Questions Answered: ‘How to understand Open Access and journal publication charges’
We hosted a webinar on October 23rd to help researchers understand publishing charges, as part of our How to Do Research and Get Published series. Our panelists—Alex Moersen, Lucy Price, and Thomas Faust—are all experts from our Open Access and journal publishing teams.
Hosted by Sean Scarisbrick, the panelists broke down the fundamentals of open access, providing clarity on the different models, benefits, and potential challenges. Attendees gained insights into the various fee structures associated with academic journals, how these charges contribute to the sustainability of scholarly publishing, and tips for identifying and avoiding predatory publishers.
We received many questions during the session, which we weren’t able to answer within the allotted time. So, for those who attended the webinar, or those who’d like insight into Open Access, we’ve collated our answers to the questions below.
If you’re interested in watching the recording of this webinar or exploring one of our previous webinars, complete the form at this link and receive immediate access to our full library of webinar recordings.
1. What advice do you have for researchers who are required by their country or funder to publish Open Access? Since articles are often published at the end of projects, how can one manage Open Access fees if the project has already closed? Is pre-payment an option?
In order to maintain the highest ethical standards, pre-payment is not an option. We are only able to process payment after an article is accepted. If you are required to publish Open Access, here are some tips to ensure you don’t run into funding problems:
1. Plan Ahead: Include Open Access fees in your budget from the outset to ensure funding is available when the time comes to publish.
2. Understand Funding Policies: Familiarize yourself with the specific Open Access requirements set by your country or funder. Some may provide direct funding for Open Access fees or allow for budget reallocation.
3. Check for Institutional Support: Many universities and research institutions have funds or agreements with publishers to cover Open Access fees. Reach out to your institution’s library or research office for guidance.
4. Check for Discounts or Waivers: Check with the publisher to see if you are eligible for any discounts or waivers.
Learn more about funding your research here.
2. Is Beall's list of predatory journals a reliable source for identifying potentially predatory journals?
Any published list of journals is subject to the judgement of those compiling it, so think carefully about their credentials. You may feel that recognized bodies, with transparent criteria for inclusion (or exclusion) from a list, offer more authoritative sources of information. Additionally, regardless of who creates it, any list can quickly become out of date so always apply your own judgement. Think Check Submit provides some great advice on doing your own evaluation.
3. Do you need postgraduate training to publish research findings independently?
There are no minimum qualifications necessary to submit and publish a research article. That said, many postgraduate programs include great training on how to prepare an article for submission and the best ways to navigate the peer review process. There are many online courses available to support research in this respect, including numerous Sage books and programs. We encourage you to read more information here: https://www.methodspace.com/blog/independent-research-and-irb-reviews
Your chances of publication without a research institution in the background depend on a variety of factors, such as the quality of your research, the relevance of your research to the field, and the journal you submit to. While having a research institution affiliation can provide certain advantages, such as access to funding and resources, it is not necessarily a requirement for publication. In fact, there are many successful independent researchers who have been able to publish their work in reputable journals.
To increase your chances of publication as an independent researcher, it is important to ensure that your research is of high quality and addresses an important research question or gap in the field. You should also make sure to follow the guidelines and formatting requirements of the journal you are submitting to, and carefully consider the feedback you receive from reviewers.
In addition, networking and building relationships with other researchers in your field can also be helpful in getting your work noticed and improving your chances of publication. Attending conferences, participating in online forums or discussion groups, and collaborating with other researchers can help you stay up to date on the latest research trends and establish yourself as a credible and valuable contributor to the field.
Overall, while not having a research institution affiliation may present some challenges, it is not necessarily a barrier to publication. By focusing on the quality and relevance of your research and building relationships with others in your field, you can increase your chances of success as an independent researcher. Be sure to check the Journal guidelines.
4. How can researchers evaluate the value of journal publication fees in relation to their budget, especially in underfunded disciplines or institutions?
The decision to publish Open Access must be considered by the authors. Where dissemination to the widest possible audience is important, including to readers who may not have journal subscriptions, OA is an obvious advantage. Journals charge various levels of APCs depending on the levels of service they offer; you should consider whether these are valuable to you. Where fees are prohibitive for Gold Open Access, you could consider publishing in a subscription journal and depositing your manuscript in a preprint server or institutional repository – though always check the journal’s policy as not all allow this route. Sage’s policy, which does allow this, is outlined here.
5. How should researchers consider journal impact factors or alternative metrics (such as article-level metrics) when deciding where to submit their work, particularly for Open Access journals?
When considering where to submit your work, it’s important to evaluate both traditional journal impact factors and alternative metrics. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Impact Factors: These are often used as a quick reference to a journal’s reputation and the average number of citations its articles receive. However, they can be misleading as they focus on the journal as a whole rather than individual articles. For Open Access journals, a high impact factor can indicate a wider readership and potentially greater visibility for your work. While impact factors shouldn't be the sole determinant of the quality of a journal, they can give you an idea of a journal's prominence in a particular field. Journals with higher impact factors are often publishing research that is widely cited and respected in the field. However, remember that high impact factor journals may have more competitive acceptance rates.
2. Alternative Metrics: Article-level metrics, such as downloads, social media mentions, and citations, can provide a more nuanced view of how your work is being received. These metrics can be particularly relevant for Open Access publications, which aim to reach broader audiences. For instance, if an article has high download rates or engagement on platforms like X/Twitter, it may suggest a significant impact outside traditional academic circles.
3. Field-Specific Considerations: Different disciplines may have varying norms regarding citation practices. It's beneficial to consider metrics within the context of your field. Some fields may have high citation rates but lower impact factors, making article-level metrics more valuable in those cases.
4. Quality and Scope of the Journal: Beyond metrics, consider the journal’s editorial board, peer review process, and alignment with your research. A well-regarded Open Access journal with a strong editorial process can be just as prestigious as traditional journals with high impact factors.
5. Funding and Open Access Policies: If your research is funded by organizations that prioritize Open Access, this may also influence your choice. Many funding agencies encourage or require publication in Open Access venues, which can add weight to your decision.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a journal to which to submit, and we recommend choosing a journal based on scope and quality of the publication, which does not always equate to high Impact Factor or rank, although these metrics can and should be taken into consideration. Save your research for right journal audience. If you are looking at journals that are within a similar scope and your paper matches the journal(s) requirements and the journal(s) audience, then you can boil down to the specifics. In summary, while impact factors are a useful starting point, it’s essential to look at a combination of metrics and qualitative factors to make an informed decision about where to submit your research.
6. How does Open Access publishing promote equity in academic publishing, and what challenges remain in making research truly accessible?
Open Access publishing plays a crucial role in promoting equity in academic publishing by addressing several systemic barriers.
Wider Access: OA removes subscription fees, allowing anyone, regardless of their institution’s resources, to access research. This democratizes knowledge, particularly benefiting researchers who may not have access to subscription or hybrid journals.
Increased Visibility: OA articles tend to reach broader audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public. This increased visibility can amplify the impact of research, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines and sectors.
Collaboration: By making research freely available, OA encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. Researchers from diverse backgrounds can engage with and build upon each other’s work without financial barriers.
Despite these benefits, some challenges still remain:
Quality Concerns: The rapid growth of OA journals has led to the emergence of predatory journals that exploit the model for profit, undermining the quality and integrity of published research. This can make it challenging for researchers to identify reputable OA venues. Read more on how to protect yourself from predatory publishers.
Funding and Fees: While OA eliminates subscription fees, many journals require authors to pay Article Processing Charges. This can create disparities, as researchers in well-funded institutions may have more resources to publish in high-quality OA journals, while others may struggle to afford these fees. Learn more about funding your research here.
Cultural Resistance: Some academic communities remain attached to traditional publishing models, valuing impact factors and traditional prestige over OA options.
7. How can interdisciplinary collaboration influence the Open Access publishing landscape, and what best practices should researchers follow when co-authoring work across disciplines?
Interdisciplinary collaboration can greatly influence the Open Access (OA) publishing landscape in several ways, while also presenting unique challenges.
1. Broader Perspectives: Interdisciplinary research brings together diverse methodologies and viewpoints, which can lead to innovative solutions and richer insights. OA publishing allows these findings to reach a wider audience, fostering greater interdisciplinary dialogue.
2. Increased Visibility: Collaborative works often have the potential to attract attention from multiple fields, enhancing visibility. OA provides a platform for this research to be accessible to various stakeholders, including practitioners and policymakers, who may benefit from interdisciplinary insights.
3. Shaping Funding Trends: As funding agencies increasingly prioritize interdisciplinary projects, the demand for OA publishing may rise. Many funders now require or encourage OA publication, driving researchers to choose OA venues that can accommodate collaborative work.
4. Emergence of New Journals: The growth of interdisciplinary research has led to the creation of specialized OA journals that focus on cross-disciplinary topics. This diversification enriches the publishing landscape and offers more targeted outlets for collaborative research.
Below are best practices for co-authoring across disciplines
1. Establish Clear Communication: Open lines of communication are essential. Discuss expectations, contributions, and timelines early in the collaboration. Regular meetings can help keep everyone aligned and address any issues that arise.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly delineate who is responsible for which parts of the research and writing process. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all contributions are acknowledged appropriately.
3. Harmonize Terminology: Different disciplines may use specific jargon or terminology. Agreeing on common language and definitions early in the process can prevent confusion and enhance clarity in your writing.
4. Consider Target Journals Together: Research potential OA journals as a team to find the best fit for your work. Discuss factors such as scope, audience, and impact factors, and ensure all authors are comfortable with the chosen venue.
5. Acknowledge All Contributions: Be transparent in acknowledging each author’s contributions, following guidelines like those from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). This fosters a spirit of collaboration and ensures everyone receives proper credit.
6. Stay Informed on OA Policies: Different disciplines and journals have varying OA policies. Ensure all co-authors are aware of any funding agency requirements for OA publication, as well as the specifics of the journal's submission and publication process.
7. Emphasize Interdisciplinary Relevance: When writing, emphasize how the interdisciplinary nature of the work enhances its relevance and applicability. This can strengthen the paper’s impact and appeal to a broader audience.
By embracing these best practices, researchers can effectively navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary collaboration while contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic Open Access publishing landscape.
8. If I am from a developing country but now live in a developed country, am I still eligible for discounts available to researchers from developing countries?
Eligibility for discounts or waivers is determined by the institutional affiliation of the corresponding author as given on the manuscript.
Learn more about APC discounts and waivers here.
9. What actions can I take if I've already submitted my paper to a predatory journal?
This will be complicated by how far your article is through the publication process. Ordinarily, you can withdraw your manuscript at any point up to publication by contacting the journal’s editorial office. Check the journal’s website for any specific policies on withdrawal and follow their procedures if they exist. At this point, start keeping a record of all correspondence regarding your submission, including your withdrawal request. The picture is more complicated if your article has already been published as most journals do not support dual publication; you cannot simply retract and republish your article in another journal and doing so could infringe copyright.
If you suspect the journal of being problematic, you may consider reporting it to relevant bodies or databases that track predatory publishing practices.
To watch the recording of this webinar or explore one of our previous webinars, complete the form at this link and receive immediate access to our full library of webinar recordings.