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2 years ago in Publication Charges By Nazia
What happens if I cannot pay the APC after my article is accepted?
My paper was accepted, but my request for an institutional APC fund was denied, and I have no grant. I can't afford the $2,000 fee. Will my paper be retracted? Can I switch to publishing it as a non-open access article?
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By Jayanti Patil Answered 1 year ago
Do not ignore the invoice. Communicate with the journal's editorial office immediately and honestly. Explain your funding request was denied and inquire about options: 1) Retroactive waiver application based on financial hardship. 2) Converting to subscription/Non-OA publication: Many hybrid journals will publish it behind a paywall instead (though some may still charge a lower "page charge"). 3) Delaying publication until you secure funds. The paper will not be formally published or assigned a DOI until the fee is settled or an alternative is agreed upon. It is very unlikely to be retracted from acceptance, but it will languish in "accepted" limbo. Journals want to publish; they often prefer to find a solution rather than lose a peer-reviewed article. Transparency and proactive communication are key to resolving this stressful situation.
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