How can you navigate open access publishing?

1 1. Understand the basics

Before you decide to publish your research in an open access journal or platform, you need to understand the basic concepts and terminology of open access. For example, you should know the difference between gold and green open access, which refer to the way your research is published and archived, respectively. You should also be familiar with the main open access licenses, such as Creative Commons, which determine how your work can be reused and shared by others. Finally, you should be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks of open access publishing, such as the increased exposure and citation rates, but also the possible fees and predatory practices.

2 2. Check your funder's policy

If your research is funded by a grant or a scholarship, you need to check your funder's policy on open access publishing. Some funders may require or encourage you to publish your research in an open access journal or repository, while others may have specific preferences or conditions for the type, license, or quality of open access. You should also check if your funder provides any support or funding for open access publishing fees, which are sometimes charged by open access journals to cover their costs. You can find your funder's policy on their website or on databases such as Sherpa Juliet.

3 3. Choose a suitable journal or platform

Once you know your funder's policy and your own goals and preferences, you need to choose a suitable journal or platform to publish your research in an open access way. There are many factors to consider when choosing a journal or platform, such as the scope, quality, reputation, impact factor, editorial process, peer review, indexing, and audience of the publication. You should also compare the different open access options and fees offered by the journal or platform, and make sure they align with your funder's policy and your license choice. You can use tools such as Sherpa Romeo, Directory of Open Access Journals, or Open Access Button to find and evaluate open access journals and platforms.

4 4. Prepare your manuscript

After you have chosen a journal or platform to publish your research, you need to prepare your manuscript according to the guidelines and standards of the publication. You should follow the instructions for authors, which usually include information on the format, style, length, references, figures, tables, and supplementary materials of your manuscript. You should also ensure that your manuscript is original, ethical, and rigorous, and that you have obtained the necessary permissions and acknowledgments for any data, images, or sources that you have used or cited in your work. You should also proofread and edit your manuscript before submitting it.

5 5. Submit your manuscript

When your manuscript is ready, you need to submit it to the journal or platform that you have chosen. You should follow the submission process, which usually involves creating an account, filling in a form, uploading your manuscript and any other required files, and paying the open access fee if applicable. You should also provide any information or documents that are requested by the journal or platform, such as a cover letter, a conflict of interest statement, or a data availability statement. You should also keep a copy of your submission confirmation and receipt, and track the status of your manuscript.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?