Understanding Article Processing Charges (APCs)
A plain-language guide to article processing charges — what they actually fund, why they vary so widely between publishers, and how authors should evaluate them.
A plain-language guide to article processing charges — what they actually fund, why they vary so widely between publishers, and how authors should evaluate them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an article processing charge (APC)?
An APC is a fee paid by the author (or their institution or funder) to a journal to make a peer-reviewed article freely available under open access. APCs replace subscription revenue and pay for editorial work, peer review management, copyediting, typesetting, indexing, and digital preservation.
How much do APCs typically cost?
APCs range widely. Mainstream open access journals charge US$1,000–$3,000 per article. Top-tier journals (e.g., Nature Communications, Cell Reports) charge US$5,000–$11,000+. Diamond OA journals charge nothing. EP Journals Group operates a transparent, affordable APC structure designed for students and unfunded researchers.
Are APCs negotiable?
Sometimes. Some publishers offer institutional read-and-publish agreements that cover APCs for affiliated authors. Many publishers offer waivers or discounts for authors from low- and middle-income countries (per Research4Life classifications). Always ask the editorial office before declining to submit on cost grounds.
Can I get an APC waiver?
Most legitimate open access publishers offer fee waivers for authors without research funding, students, or authors from eligible low-income countries. Apply for the waiver before submission, not after acceptance. EP Journals Group offers full waivers for student authors and partial waivers for unfunded researchers.
Why do open access journals charge APCs?
Producing a peer-reviewed journal article costs money — editorial staff, peer review management software, copyediting, typesetting, hosting, DOI registration, and long-term preservation. Subscription journals recover these costs from readers; open access journals recover them from authors (or their funders). The APC funds the publishing pipeline that makes the article freely readable for everyone.