The APC Playbook: Waivers & Discounts for Open Access

Article Processing Charge (APC) waivers are a breath of fresh air for many researchers. In Open Access (OA), they can make the difference between shelving a finished manuscript and seeing it published, sometimes at a steep discount or even for free. Imagine unlocking that privilege as an author!

This playbook explains APCs in plain language, how waivers and discounts work, who typically qualifies, and the exact steps to secure one, so you can publish without putting a hole in your pocket.

What are APCs and why do they exist?

At some point, you’ve probably wondered how OA journals sustain operations. APCs are one of the ways. They’re the fees that help cover peer review administration, typesetting, DOI registration, copyediting, platform hosting and long-term preservation.

• Who pays? Sometimes the author, but often a funder, department, library, or a read-and-publish agreement pays. Smart authors line up support before acceptance.

• Are APCs inevitable? No. Diamond OA journals charge no APC. And even where APCs exist, waivers and discounts can bring the bill way down.

Waivers vs. Discounts (Know the difference)

• Waiver: Removes the APC entirely.

• Discount: Reduces the APC by a percentage or fixed amount.

Many publishers apply waivers/discounts to corresponding authors based on institutional country income tiers (e.g., World Bank classifications). Others consider career stage, documented financial hardship, or the lack of dedicated OA funds.

You can often request a waiver/discount during submission, but read the journal’s policy first, then follow the instructions precisely.

How to qualify

Policies differ, but these factors commonly help:

1. Country income tier: Authors based at institutions in Low- or Lower-Middle-Income Countries are often eligible for the highest relief.

2. Institutional/funder support: If none exists, or is exhausted, say so explicitly.

3. Career stage: Some journals prioritize PhD students and early-career researchers.

4. Project constraints: If a grant didn’t budget for APCs, provide that context.

5. Timely request: Ask before or at submission, as required by the journal.

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Step-by-step: Securing a waiver or discount

1. Identify target journals that fit your scope and ethics (indexing, peer-review standards, etc.).

2. Check the APC & waiver page on the journal site. Note eligibility rules, when to apply, and required documents.

3. Gather proof (institutional affiliation, country, student status, lack of funding).

4. Apply at the right moment (usually within the submission system or by emailing the editorial office).

5. Be precise & courteous in your request. Keep it factual and attach relevant evidence.

6. Follow up once if you don’t hear back in 5–7 working days (or per the journal’s timeline).

7. Document the decision (approval email, invoice note) for your records and institution.

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Quick checklist

• Journal policy read & eligibility confirmed

• Funding status stated (none/insufficient)

• Institutional country tier included

• Student/ECR status documented (if applicable)

• Formal, concise request drafted

• Submitted via correct channel (system or email)

• Follow-up reminder set (if needed)

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Publishing Open Access shouldn’t derail your budget. With the right plan, country-based, institutional support and a solid waiver request, you can minimise APCs or eliminate them entirely.

Start your publication journey today: explore AB Journals’ waiver policy during submission and take advantage of our 41%–75%. Your research deserves the widest possible audience, without the wallet ache.