Article processing charges

Article Processing Charges (APCs) are fees that authors are required to pay for their articles to be published as open access. These charges cover the costs associated with the publication process, such as peer review, copyediting, typesetting, long-term archiving, and journal management. The specific details and payment methods for APCs can vary depending on the publisher and journal. Here are some key points to consider:

• Responsibility for payment:

The corresponding author of the manuscript is usually responsible for making or arranging the payment of the APC. This can be done either by the author directly or through their institution, funder, or employer.

• Timing of payment:

The APC payable for an article is typically determined from the date on which the article is accepted for publication. Payment is usually due shortly after editorial acceptance, and prompt payment is advised as articles cannot be published until payment is received.

• Methods of payment:

Different publishers offer different methods of payment. Common methods include credit card payments and wire transfers. Some publishers may also accept payment by cheque, although additional processing fees may apply.

• Taxes and surcharges:

 Depending on the country of residence or institution, additional taxes such as Value Added Tax (VAT) or Japanese Consumption Tax (JCT) may be applicable. These taxes are usually added to the invoice at the rate set by the respective government. Some publishers may also charge administrative surcharges for payment methods other than credit card.

• Waivers and membership programs:

Some publishers offer waivers or discounts on APCs for certain authors or institutions. For example, authors from low-income countries may be eligible for APC waivers. Additionally, some institutions may be members of a publisher’s Membership Program, which covers some or all of the APCs on behalf of their researchers.

• Finding APC information:

To find the specific APC for a journal, you can visit the journal’s homepage and look for the Open Access Fees and Funding section. Alternatively, you can download a list of APCs for fully Open Access or Hybrid journals from the publisher’s website.

It’s important to note that while APCs are a common practice in open access publishing, not all journals or publishers charge APCs. Some journals may have their processing and publication costs covered by other sources, such as sponsoring parties or societies, and therefore do not require authors to pay APCs.

Overall, it’s advisable to carefully review the APC policies and guidelines provided by the specific publisher and journal you are submitting to, as they may have their own unique requirements and procedures for payment.