Q: Can I ask the journal to give me a discount on the APC?

Detailed Question -

I plan to submit to Biological Research. I need to ask the journal to give me a discount on APC while submission. Should I write an email to the editor? When is it appropriate to send this mail?

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

APCs are borne by the research funder, the authors' institution, or by authors themselves. Some journals offer discounted APCs to authors from specific resource-limited countries. In addition, sometimes, authors do request journals for APC waivers if they have exhausted their funds or if they are not receiving any financial support for their submission. 

However to be completely sure, it is best to send an email to the journal, generally at the time of or prior to submission, explaining the reason for requesting a discount or waiver. Please read through the journal's author guidelines on APC waiver before writing your email to check if they have any specific requirements.

Your email to the editor must include the following details:

  • Manuscript title and id
  • Names and affiliations of the corresponding author and co-authors
  • An explanation of why you need the discount or are unable to pay the APC

This handbook on Templates for communicating with the journal includes a template that you can use for writing your APC waiver request.

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