How to Submit and Publish an Article or Research Paper to Esteemed Journals Free of Cost or at a Reduced Fee
Publishing an article or research paper in esteemed journals like BioMed Central, MDPI, Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Emerald, Wiley-Blackwell, Springer, and the Royal Society is a prestigious accomplishment. However, the associated costs can be a barrier for many researchers. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to submit and publish your work free of cost or at a reduced fee.
1. Choose the Right Journal
Selecting the appropriate journal for your research is crucial. Consider the following factors: scope, impact factor, and open access options. Ensure your research fits the journal’s scope, look for journals with higher impact factors, and check if they offer free or reduced-cost open access publishing.
2. Understand the Submission Process
Each journal has its own submission guidelines. Here’s a general process:
BioMed Central
– Submission: Online via their submission system.
– Fees: Check if your institution has a membership with BioMed Central to waive the Article Processing Charges (APCs).
MDPI
– Submission: Online via MDPI’s submission system.
– Fees: MDPI offers discounts for reviewers and waivers based on the country of the researcher.
Elsevier
– Submission: Through Elsevier’s Editorial Manager.
– Fees: Many Elsevier journals have no submission fees. Some offer fee waivers or discounts.
Taylor and Francis
– Submission: Online through ScholarOne Manuscripts.
– Fees: Check for waiver policies for authors from low-income countries.
Emerald
– Submission: Via ScholarOne Manuscripts.
– Fees: Generally, no submission fees. Open access costs can be waived.
Wiley-Blackwell
– Submission: Online via Wiley’s submission system.
– Fees: Look for Wiley’s Open Access Account partners to cover fees.
Springer
– Submission: Through Springer’s Editorial Manager.
– Fees: Explore Springer’s waivers and discount options for open access.
Royal Society
– Submission: Online via ScholarOne Manuscripts.
– Fees: Authors from developing countries may apply for fee waivers.
3. Prepare Your Manuscript
Ensure your manuscript is well-prepared: follow the specific guidelines of the target journal, ensure high-quality figures, tables, and references, and write clearly and concisely. Consider professional editing if necessary.
4. Write a Strong Cover Letter
A compelling cover letter should introduce your work, summarize the research and its significance, explain why your paper fits the journal’s scope, and address the editor personally.
5. Submit Your Manuscript
Submit your manuscript, cover letter, and supplementary materials through the journal’s online system. Use submission checklists provided by journals to ensure completeness.
6. Utilize Fee Waivers and Discounts
Check if your institution has agreements with publishers, look for geographical waivers offered by many journals for researchers from low-income countries, and consider reviewing for journals to earn discounts or waivers.
7. Post-Submission
Be prepared for the peer review process, which can take weeks to months. Respond to reviewer comments thoroughly and professionally, and follow any additional instructions for publication once accepted.
Tips for Reducing Publication Costs
Apply for grants or funds specifically for open access publishing, collaborate with institutions that can cover publication fees, and consider high-quality but less expensive or free journals.
Conclusion
Publishing in esteemed journals need not be prohibitively expensive. By carefully selecting journals, preparing your manuscript meticulously, and leveraging available fee waivers and discounts, you can publish your research without incurring high costs. Stay informed about the specific policies of each journal and make use of institutional and geographical supports to ease the financial burden of publishing your valuable work.
