Leapman offers authors a choice between two publishing models: the Global Open Access model and the traditional subscription-based publishing model. This dual-track approach ensures that authors can comply with funder requirements, maximize research visibility, or select a conventional dissemination route based on project scope, resource availability, and institutional preferences.

Global Open Access Publishing

The Global Open Access model allows accepted articles to be made immediately and freely available online to readers worldwide. Authors or their supporting institutions pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $2,150 upon acceptance, covering all editorial, technical, and publishing services. Open access articles are published under a Creative Commons license that facilitates responsible reuse, redistribution, and citation, provided the original authors and source are credited.

This model is designed to remove access barriers and to promote the wide dissemination of research findings across disciplinary and geographic boundaries. All content published under the Global Open Access model is subject to the same rigorous peer review, editorial standards, and production quality as content published under subscription access.

Subscription-Based Publishing

Under the traditional subscription model, accepted articles are published behind a paywall and are made available to readers through individual or institutional subscriptions, or via pay-per-view access. Authors selecting this route are not required to pay an APC, and the publication costs are covered by readers or subscribing institutions.

Articles published under the subscription model are licensed according to Leapman’s standard publishing terms. Authors retain rights to self-archive the accepted manuscript following an embargo period, in accordance with Leapman’s self-archiving policy. The final published version may not be distributed publicly except through permitted sharing mechanisms described in Leapman’s licensing guidelines.

Selection and Timing of Publishing Model

Authors are not required to choose a publishing model at the time of submission. All manuscripts undergo peer review and editorial assessment based solely on scientific merit and suitability for the journal. After a manuscript has been accepted, the corresponding author will be invited to select either the Global Open Access or subscription-based publishing route. The selected license and model will apply to the final published version and must comply with any applicable institutional or funder mandates.

Open Access Licensing and Compliance

Articles published open access are licensed under one of the Creative Commons licenses offered by Leapman, with CC BY as the default when required by funders such as those participating in Plan S. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their selected license complies with their funding agency or institutional policies. Leapman will advise and direct authors to the appropriate license pathway when such mandates are disclosed during submission.

Benefits of Global Open Access

Publishing under Leapman’s Global Open Access model offers substantial advantages to all stakeholders in the research ecosystem:

For authors, open access ensures that their work is visible to the widest possible audience without delay, often resulting in higher readership and citation rates.

For readers, unrestricted access allows for immediate engagement with published research, removing cost barriers and enabling educational and professional reuse.

For funders and institutions, open access promotes the timely dissemination of publicly supported research and enhances the return on research investment.

Open Access Funding Support

Leapman maintains institutional and consortial agreements with a growing number of universities, libraries, and research organizations to support open access publishing. These agreements may cover the full or partial cost of the APC. A public list of participating institutions and eligible authors is available on Leapman’s funding information portal.

For authors not covered by such agreements, Leapman provides financial assistance through its Global OA Fund. This fund supports authors from countries currently designated by the World Bank as low-income or lower-middle-income economies. Eligibility is determined at the time of manuscript submission and is based on the corresponding author’s institutional affiliation.

Article Processing Charges and Services Covered

The APC of $2,150 supports all stages of publication and ensures the continued delivery of high-quality scholarly services. This fee covers:

• Full editorial assessment, peer review coordination, and author correspondence.

• Technical infrastructure and submission platforms, metadata management, and indexing.

• Article preparation, including copyediting, layout formatting, and XML conversion.

• Visibility and dissemination, including content marketing and citation optimization.

• Dedicated author and reader support services throughout the publication process.

Leapman is committed to full transparency regarding the use of APC revenue and to sustaining long-term investment in open access infrastructure.

Editorial Excellence Across Models

Regardless of publishing model, all submissions to Leapman journals are evaluated by experienced editors with advanced academic qualifications. Editors manage the peer review process, uphold publication ethics, and ensure compliance with Leapman’s data sharing and reporting standards. Authors receive personalized guidance at every stage, and accepted articles undergo thorough quality assurance prior to release.

Leapman’s commitment to editorial rigor, author service, and equitable access to research dissemination remains central to its publishing mission under both Global Open Access and subscription-based models.