APC

Article Processing Charges (APC) - Frequently Asked Questions

What are Article Processing Charges (APCs)?

Article Processing Charges are fees charged by publishers to cover the costs of publishing academic articles in open access journals. These charges support the various stages of publication, including peer review management, manuscript preparation, web hosting, and making the article freely available to readers worldwide. Unlike traditional subscription-based models where readers pay to access content, APCs shift the cost to authors or their institutions.

When do I need to pay APCs?

You typically need to pay APCs when publishing in fully open access journals or when choosing the open access option in hybrid journals (journals that offer both subscription and open access options). The payment is usually required after your paper has been accepted for publication but before it is published. Some journals may request APC payment during submission, but this is less common.

How much are typical APC fees?

APC fees vary significantly across publishers and journals. Top-tier open access journals might charge between €2,000 to €9,500 per article. Mid-range journals typically charge €1,200 to €2,500. Some journals, particularly those in developing regions or supported by institutions, may charge lower fees or no fees at all. Factors affecting the fee include:

• Journal's prestige and impact factor
• Publisher size and infrastructure
• Included services and features
• Geographic location and market

Are there ways to reduce or avoid APC payments?

Several options exist to reduce or avoid APC payments:

• Institutional agreements: Many institutions have agreements with publishers that cover or discount APCs for their affiliated researchers
• Waivers and discounts: Many journals offer full or partial APC waivers for researchers from low- and middle-income countries
• Research funding: Many funding bodies include provisions for APC payments in their grants
• Alternative venues: Consider journals that don't charge APCs while maintaining quality standards

What services are covered by APCs?

APCs typically cover these services:

• Manuscript handling and peer review management
• Editorial oversight and communication
• Technical editing and formatting
• XML markup and metadata creation
• Platform hosting and maintenance
• Long-term digital preservation
• Article promotion and indexing
• Customer support for authors and readers
• DOI registration and maintenance

Are APCs tax-deductible?

APC payments may be tax-deductible as professional expenses in some jurisdictions. However, this varies by country and specific circumstances. Consult with your institution's financial office or a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.

What happens if I can't pay the APC?

If you cannot pay the APC, consider these options:

• Contact the journal about waiver possibilities
• Explore funding options through your institution
• Consider publishing in a subscription-based journal
• Look for quality journals with lower or no APCs
• Check if your co-authors' institutions can cover the cost

How do I know if an APC is legitimate?

To verify if an APC request is legitimate:

• Check if the journal is listed in trusted databases like DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)
• Verify the publisher's membership in organizations like OASPA
• Ensure the APC amount matches what's listed on the journal's website
• Confirm the payment is requested through official channels
• Watch for red flags like dramatically lower fees or pressure to pay quickly

Can I include APCs in grant proposals?

Yes, many funding agencies now recognize APCs as legitimate research costs. When writing grant proposals:

• Include estimated APC costs in your budget
• Check your funder's specific policies
• Consider potential increases in APC rates
• Include contingency funds for additional publications
• Document the importance of open access publishing

What's the difference between APCs and submission fees?

Submission fees are charged when you submit a manuscript, regardless of acceptance. They are typically much lower than APCs and cover initial processing costs. APCs are charged only upon acceptance and cover the entire publication process. Some journals charge both fees, but this is relatively uncommon.

How are APC amounts determined?

Publishers typically determine APC amounts based on:

• Operational costs (staff, infrastructure, systems)
• Journal impact factor and prestige
• Market competition
• Additional services offered
• Geographic location and target author base
• Publishing volume and economies of scale
• Institutional partnerships and agreements

What should I consider when budgeting for APCs?

When planning your publication budget:

• Research current APC rates for target journals
• Account for potential annual increases
• Check for institutional agreements
• Consider alternative funding sources
• Factor in possible additional charges
• Keep records for tax purposes
• Plan for potential submission fees

How do I request an APC waiver?

To request an APC waiver:

• Check the journal's waiver policy before submission
• Submit your request as early as possible
• Provide clear justification
• Include relevant documentation
• Demonstrate financial need if required
• Follow up professionally
• Consider alternatives if denied