How to Publish your Research for FREE
A 10-step guide to article publication fee waivers
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Hello! Are you looking to publish your article in high-impact journals, but are worried about publication costs?
Article processing charges (APCs) can range from around $150 to nearly $10,000, with many falling within the $2,000 to $5,000 range.
These charges can be a significant barrier for many researchers, especially those from less well-funded institutions or developing countries.
In this guide, I'll walk you through 10 effective methods to publish your research in journals like Elsevier, Wiley, PLOS and more, for free.
Whether you're a seasoned academic or a budding scientist, these strategies will help you get your research out there without financial barriers.
Let's dive straight into it:
Method 1. Visit DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals -
DOAJ is a unique and extensive index of diverse open access journals from around the world. The website allows you to filter journals with no publication fees.
Here is how to use it:
1) Go to doaj.org
2) Search for journals
3) Apply filter "Without: APCs"
"APC" stands for Article Processing Fee.
This will filter a list of journals where you can publish for FREE!
Directory of Open Access Journals – DOAJ (http://DOAJ.org)
Method 2. University Agreements:
Your University may have an agreement with specific scientific journals to publish articles for FREE or at a reduced cost.
Check your University's website for details.
The University of Toronto, for example, has 100% waivers with 8 publishers: https://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/copyright/oa-agreements-apc-discounts
Method 3. Waivers:
Most journals offer waivers or discounts on publication fees for authors from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
LMIC researchers need not worry about APCs.
To view this option, visit the journal's "author guidelines" section for details.
Method 4. Hybrid model:
Some journals offer a hybrid model, where authors can publish their work as "open access" for a fee or without "open access" for FREE.
Articles with no APC in the same journal are usually behind a paywall.
I'll share an Excel file of such journals at the end.
Method 5. Negotiation:
The good old negotiation still works, especially for graduate students or authors who demonstrate insufficient funding.
Method 6. Society memberships:
Many academic societies offer significant discounts on article processing charges for their members.
Researchers who frequently publish in society-affiliated journals can save substantially using this method.
Method 7. Editorial board discounts:
Editorial board members are vital to the scientific community!
Many journals now offer discounts on article processing charges to board members to show their appreciation.
Check with your preferred journal for details on eligibility.
Method 8. Peer review discounts:
Peer reviewers play a crucial role in the scientific publishing process and now many journals are offering discounts on APCs as a token of appreciation.
Don't miss this opportunity, check with your journal for details today!
Method 9. Lifetime memberships:
Lifetime memberships with scientific publishing platforms are a great way to save on APCs and support open access.
Consider platforms like PeerJ and others for unlimited publishing and discounted fees.
Method 10. Subscriber's discount:
Subscribing to scientific journals has its perks! Many now offer discounts on APCs for their subscribers.
Some medical journals that offer this form of discount include: JAMA, BMJ, and NEJM
That’s it! Using these methods you can easily publish your quality work online at no cost. Publication fee should no longer be a barrier.
In the end, I have some news for you.
I’m also launching a 7-week beginner's guide on "How to Publish a Paper Using AI ethically" on March 29th, 2025.
If interested, join the waitlist here: https://asad-naveed.kit.com/1971678239
Best,
Asad
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