Last updated: 1 May 2026 · 8 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Introduction
The phrase free publication is used loosely in academic publishing and can mean very different things depending on context. This comparison clarifies what is genuinely free, what is paid, and where the boundaries blur — so that authors can evaluate options without confusion or false expectations.
Side-by-side comparison
| Route | Cost to author | Cost to reader | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription journal | Free | Paywalled | Reader access via institutional subscription |
| Diamond open access | Free | Free | Funded by institutions, societies, or grants |
| Low-cost APC OA | $30–$200 | Free | Smaller structured publishers |
| Standard APC OA | $1,500–$3,000 | Free | Mid-tier OA publishers |
| Premium APC OA | $3,000–$11,000+ | Free | Flagship and luxury OA journals |
| Predatory publication | Variable, often hidden | Free | No genuine peer review — to be avoided |
Genuinely free publication routes
Subscription journals
Submitting to a traditional subscription journal usually involves no fee for the author. The publisher recovers costs through library subscriptions. The trade-off is that the published article is accessible only to readers whose institutions subscribe, which limits reach and may not satisfy modern open-access funder mandates.
Diamond open access
Diamond open-access journals charge neither authors nor readers. They are funded by universities, scholarly societies, or government agencies. Diamond OA is concentrated in the humanities and social sciences and in regional or society-led titles. Where a diamond OA journal exists in the relevant subfield and accepts submissions, it is often an excellent choice.
Paid publication routes
Low-cost article processing charges
A growing number of structured open-access publishers — including platforms such as EP Journals — operate with very low fixed APCs (typically under $50). This route makes open-access publication financially accessible to authors without dedicated APC funding, while still providing peer review, DOI registration, and indexing in major scholarly directories.
Standard and premium APCs
Mid-tier and flagship open-access journals charge between approximately $1,500 and $5,000, with some luxury titles exceeding $10,000. These fees reflect editorial overhead, brand value, established indexing, and selectivity. Many institutions and funders provide dedicated APC budgets for these venues.
Key differences
Key points
- Subscription is free to authors but restricts readership.
- Diamond OA is free to all but is not available in every discipline.
- Low-cost APC OA trades a modest fee for open access and faster timelines.
- High APC OA offers brand recognition and deep indexing for a substantial fee.
- Predatory publication is never a legitimate route, regardless of fee level.
When to choose free routes
Free routes are appropriate when budget is the limiting factor and when subscription readership is acceptable, or when a recognised diamond open-access journal exists in the discipline. Authors at institutions without APC budgets often start by checking whether a diamond OA option is available in their subfield.
When to choose paid routes
Paid routes are justified when open access is required by a funder, when the author's institution provides APC funding for the chosen venue, or when the broader readership and citation advantage of open access outweighs the cost. For authors who need open access without large fees, low-cost structured publishers offer a middle path.
Closing note
Where authors decide a structured, fee-based open-access route fits their needs, they may consider platforms such as EP Journals alongside other publishers. The selection should always be guided by scope match, peer-review rigour, and policy transparency rather than by promotional material.
Frequently asked questions
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Related reading and next steps
Editorial enquiries
Questions about this guide or about preparing a manuscript for submission may be directed to the editorial office. Where a query relates to a specific journal in the portfolio, please indicate the journal abbreviation in your message.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org