Publication Fees and Waivers

Scholarly Communication is an open-access academic press operated by ACCB Publishing, the publishing arm of the Alliance for Community Capacity Building (UK). This policy explains how publication fees are applied, the rationale for such fees, and the availability of waivers and reductions.

1. Commitment to Open Access and Public Benefit

Scholarly Communication is committed to the principles of open-access publishing. All books published by the press are made freely available online, without subscription or paywall, to maximise global access, dissemination, and public benefit.

As an open-access press, Scholarly Communication does not generate revenue through sales or subscriptions. Publication fees, where applicable, are used on a cost-recovery basis to support the press's sustainable operation.

2. Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are entirely independent of financial considerations.
The payment of a publication fee has no influence on the editorial assessment, peer-review process, or acceptance of a manuscript.

All submissions are evaluated solely on academic merit, relevance, originality, and alignment with the scope of the press.

Publication fees are discussed only after a proposal or manuscript has successfully completed editorial and peer review and has been formally accepted for publication.

3. Publication Fees (Book Processing Charges)

Where applicable, Scholarly Communication may charge a Book Processing Charge (BPC) for accepted titles. Fees vary depending on the type, length, and complexity of the publication.

Indicative ranges (GBP):

  • Single-authored monographs: £1,200–£1,800

  • Edited volumes: £1,500–£2,200

  • Short monographs (≤50,000 words): £800–£1,200

These fees contribute to the costs of:

  • Editorial management and coordination

  • Peer-review administration

  • Copy preparation and production workflows

  • Metadata creation and dissemination

  • Digital hosting and long-term preservation

Fees are confirmed on a case-by-case basis following acceptance.

4. What Publication Fees Do Not Cover

Publication fees do not include:

  • Guaranteed indexing or impact metrics

  • Marketing or promotional services beyond standard discoverability

  • Print copies (print-on-demand may be offered separately)

  • Translation services

  • Third-party image or permissions fees

Any additional services, if offered, are discussed separately and transparently.

5. Waivers and Fee Reductions

Scholarly Communication is committed to equity, inclusion, and the diversification of scholarly voices. Fee waivers and reductions are an integral part of our publishing model.

Waivers or discounts may be granted in the following circumstances:

  • Authors based in low- and middle-income countries

  • Early-career researchers without access to institutional funding

  • Authors from underrepresented or marginalised contexts

  • Works of significant public, regional, or social value

  • Publications supported by institutional, grant, or philanthropic funding

Requests for waivers are considered confidentially and independently of editorial decision-making.

6. Funding and Institutional Support

Where possible, publication fees may be covered by:

  • Research grants

  • Institutional open-access funds

  • Library or consortial support

  • Philanthropic or donor funding

  • ACCB-supported publishing initiatives

Scholarly Communication encourages authors to explore institutional and funder support but recognises that such resources are not universally available.

7. Transparency and Accountability

The press is committed to transparency in its financial practices. Fee structures are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain fair, proportionate, and aligned with the mission of ACCB Publishing.

Information about publication fees and waivers is publicly available on the press website. Authors are encouraged to raise questions about fees at any stage following acceptance.

8. Alignment with Open-Access Best Practice

This policy aligns with recognised open-access principles, including:

  • Free and immediate access to published content

  • Transparent disclosure of publication fees

  • Clear separation between editorial decisions and financial considerations

  • Active support for authors without access to funding

  • Long-term availability and preservation of scholarly works

Scholarly Communication aims to meet the standards expected by open-access book directories, libraries, and research funders.

9. Contact

Questions regarding publication fees, waivers, or funding options may be directed to the editorial team via the contact details provided on the press website.

Scholarly Communication
An open-access academic press by ACCB Publishing
Publishing scholarship for public benefit