Article Processing Charges

Current APC for APCR

This is the comprehensive fee for accepted articles regardless of article type, unless an editorial exemption applies. The amount is reviewed periodically to reflect operational costs and service improvements. If a revision to the APC occurs during peer review, the rate applicable is the one in effect on the acceptance date for your manuscript.

What the APC Includes

The APC sustains the complete publishing workflow from submission to preservation. Below is a non-exhaustive list of services funded by the fee:

• Editorial triage and integrity checks: Scope alignment, formatting review, ethics and consent verification, and similarity screening.
• Peer review coordination: Double-blind handling, reviewer recruitment, conflict management, structured feedback, and revision tracking.
• Manuscript development: Scientific editing, copyediting, reference validation, figure quality checks, and layout/typesetting.
• Persistent identification: DOI registration and maintenance to guarantee long-term resolvability of the Version of Record.
• Platform services: Secure hosting, site reliability, performance optimization, and accessibility conformance of article pages.
• Indexing and discovery: Preparation and delivery of machine-readable metadata to discovery services that track and surface your work.
• Long-term preservation: Redundant storage, routine fixity checks, and format lifecycle management for the Version of Record and supplements.
• Open licensing: Publication under an open license that enables sharing and reuse with attribution.

These activities ensure that your article is read, trusted, found, and cited globally for years to come.

No Hidden Charges

APCR does not impose submission fees, page charges, or charges for color figures, supplementary files, or standard editorial services. Authors are not billed for rejected manuscripts. Optional enhancements—such as optional language polishing or expedited peer review, if requested—are quoted separately and never required for acceptance.

Waivers and Discounts

We recognize that funding availability varies across geographies and institutions. APCR considers partial waivers or discounts for authors who face genuine financial constraints, with a particular focus on researchers from low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Requests must be submitted during the initial submission stage so that the editorial process remains impartial and unlinked to payment capability.

• Eligibility: Consideration for authors with limited funding or affiliation in economies classified as low or lower-middle income.
• When to apply: During submission; waiver requests after acceptance are normally not considered.
• Decision independence: Editorial assessment and peer review remain independent of any waiver outcome.
• Evidence: A brief justification outlining funding limitations may be requested to support the decision.

Special initiatives and time-limited discounts may apply to thematic collections or community partnerships; these will be announced on the journal site and communicated to eligible authors where appropriate.

Payment Policy and Invoicing

Upon acceptance, the corresponding author receives a formal invoice for the APC. The invoice specifies the manuscript ID, article title, APC amount in USD, and the due date. Payment must be completed before publication to enable DOI registration and final release of the Version of Record.

• Accepted methods: Major credit/debit cards, bank transfer, or approved institutional purchase orders.
• Receipts: Issued automatically after successful payment.
• Tax considerations: Any applicable taxes, duties, or bank transfer fees are the responsibility of the payer.
• Institutional payments: Where applicable, finance offices may arrange centralized payments for multiple articles.

If you anticipate using grant funds that require specific wording on the invoice (e.g., cost center or project code), please indicate these requirements when you submit your manuscript so that the invoice reflects them precisely.

Fairness, Independence, and Integrity

Editorial decisions are based solely on the scientific merit, methodological rigor, and relevance of the submitted work. The ability to pay the APC, or the status of any waiver request, has no bearing on acceptance. Members of the editorial board and reviewers do not handle invoices or payment communications. Authors should direct finance-related queries to the journal’s administrative contacts rather than to editors or reviewers.

Budgeting and Funding Guidance for Authors

To help you plan for publication costs, we recommend incorporating the APC into grant applications and departmental budgets. Many funders explicitly support open access fees, and institutions often maintain open access funds. If your funding requires particular license terms, repository deposits, or public access timelines, please mention this in your cover letter so we can ensure alignment during production.

• Check your funder’s policies on open access charges and preferred licenses.
• Ask your library about institutional open access funds or negotiated arrangements.
• Include the APC in grant proposals and project budgets to avoid last-minute constraints.
• If you expect a fee waiver to be necessary, initiate the request during submission and provide brief justification.

What You Receive With Your APC

Your APC underwrites a set of tangible benefits designed to maximize the reach and durability of your article:

• Global reach: Immediate open access to readers worldwide without institutional barriers.
• Citable permanence: DOI registration and persistent linking that ensures reliable citation across time.
• Professional presentation: Copyedited, typeset, and accessible article files optimized for web and PDF reading.
• Enhanced discovery: Inclusion in indexing and abstracting services that track, surface, and connect your research to the right audiences.
• Long-term stewardship: Preserved Version of Record with redundant storage and integrity checks.
• Author support: Clear communications, production proofs, and responsive assistance throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions