Last updated: April 2026 · 7 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Introduction
Specific statistics in academic publishing are hard to verify with precision because data sources vary and reporting standards are not uniform. The patterns are clearer than the exact numbers, and the patterns are useful for authors making decisions.
This page presents widely-cited ranges rather than specific points. Where exact numbers are quoted in marketing materials, treat them with the caution any field-level statistic deserves.
Patterns by category
| Metric | Typical range across credible journals |
|---|---|
| First-decision timeline | 4–12 weeks for full original articles |
| Acceptance rate | 10–70%; flagship 5–25%, specialty 30–60% |
| APC at open-access journals | USD 0 (diamond) to 5,000+ (flagship) |
| Number of reviewers per manuscript | 2–4; some specialty journals more |
| Total time to online publication | 2–9 months |
| Reference count in research articles | 30–80 typical; review articles much higher |
What the patterns mean for authors
Acceptance rates
Acceptance rates below 10% indicate flagship-level selectivity; rates above 70% indicate either strong scope alignment in a specialty journal or weak editorial standards. Most journals in most fields run between 30% and 60%. Submitting to journals at the higher end of selectivity for the work's actual quality wastes time; submitting too low loses the value of stronger reviewer feedback.
Timelines
First-decision timelines vary widely. The median across credible journals is around 4–8 weeks; faster than this requires journals with active editorial offices, slower than this is common at journals with narrow reviewer pools. Total time to publication is longer than the review window because copy-editing and proof correction add weeks.
Costs
APCs at open-access journals span an order of magnitude. Flagship journals at major publishers often charge USD 3,000–5,000+; specialty open-access journals charge USD 50–500; diamond open-access charges nothing. The variation reflects pricing power as much as editorial cost.
Common misinterpretations
Decision guidance
Use field-specific patterns rather than global ones. The acceptance rate, timeline, and APC range in your specific field and target journal type are more useful than global averages. Most journals publish their own statistics; the journal's own data is the most relevant.
Example scenarios
Scenario: a master's student calibrating expectations
Students preparing first submissions often have unrealistic expectations on either side: expecting acceptance within weeks (rare) or expecting rejection (typical but not always). The realistic expectation is one or two rounds of revision over 3–6 months, with acceptance at the second or third journal targeted. Knowing the typical pattern reduces stress when reality matches it.
Scenario: a PhD researcher comparing journals
Comparing journals on acceptance rate, APC, and timeline is most useful when the journals are in similar tiers. A flagship journal with 10% acceptance and a specialty journal with 50% acceptance are not comparable; the question is which tier fits the work, not which has the higher rate.
Scenario: an early-career researcher under deadline
Under deadline pressure, the relevant statistic is the journal's median time-to-publication, not its average. Verifying through recent published articles' dates is more useful than relying on the journal's claimed median. Most journals' actual practice is consistent with their published statistics within 25%.
What to do next
Use field-specific and journal-specific data when comparing options. The journal's own author guidelines and editorial reports are the most relevant sources. Authors targeting EP Journals Group venues can find journal-specific information on each journal's site.
Frequently asked questions
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Related reading and next steps
- Submission portal — Submit a manuscript through the central form
- Journals list — Six peer-reviewed journals across disciplines
- How long does peer review take
- Understanding APCs
- High vs low APC journals
- Publishing in engineering
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