• Free global accessibility to research without subscription barriers

• Higher visibility and citation rates compared to paywalled publications

• Faster dissemination of new findings to the academic community

• Support for equitable knowledge sharing, especially in low-resource settings

For institutions, organizations, and independent researchers, OA journals provide a platform to contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse without limiting access.

Step 1: Define the Journal’s Purpose and Scope

Start by clearly outlining your journal’s core objectives:

• Subject focus: Decide whether your journal will be field-specific or interdisciplinary.

• Target audience: Determine whether your readers are academic scholars, industry professionals, or both.

• Article types: Consider if your journal will publish original research, review articles, case studies, or all of the above.

• Publication frequency: Choose whether to publish monthly, quarterly, or on a rolling basis.

A well-defined scope helps in positioning your journal strategically within the academic publishing ecosystem.

Step 2: Assemble a Credible Editorial Board

The success of your journal largely depends on the strength and reputation of your editorial team. Aim to include:

• Experienced editors and reviewers with subject-matter expertise

• International diversity to reflect a global research perspective

• Institutional affiliations to increase credibility

The editorial board should also be responsible for setting ethical guidelines, overseeing peer review, and maintaining content quality.

Step 3: Select an Affordable Journal Management Platform

Technology is key to cost-effective publishing. Choose a Affordable Journal Management Software (JMS) that offers essential features without requiring heavy infrastructure investment.

Look for platforms that include:

• Manuscript submission and tracking

• Automated peer review workflows

• Reviewer management and communication tools

• Editorial dashboard with performance metrics

• Built-in publishing and hosting options

Cloud-based solutions such as Kryoni provide comprehensive tools tailored for academic publishing at a fraction of the traditional cost.

Step 4: Register the Journal Officially

To operate as a recognized academic journal, complete the following registrations:

• ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) for formal identification

• DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for article tracking and citation, usually via Crossref

• Indexing applications to databases like DOAJ, Google Scholar, and more

These steps ensure discoverability, traceability, and legitimacy.

Step 5: Design and Launch a Professional Website

A journal’s website is often the first point of contact for readers and authors. A well-structured and clean website builds trust and improves user experience. Ensure it includes:

• Journal overview and aims

• Editorial board details

• Submission guidelines and policies

• Archive of past issues

• Search and browse functions

• Contact and help sections

Many JMS platforms offer customizable website templates, making this process both simple and affordable.

Step 6: Develop Comprehensive Guidelines

Consistency in submissions and reviews begins with clear documentation. Provide:

• Author guidelines outlining formatting, referencing, and submission process

• Reviewer instructions to standardize peer review expectations

• Publication ethics regarding plagiarism, data falsification, and authorship

• Open access and licensing information, typically using Creative Commons licenses

Having well-written policies ensures transparency and professionalism.

Step 7: Promote and Disseminate the Journal

Publishing quality content is not enough — effective promotion is essential to attract submissions and readers. Focus on:

• Social media outreach targeting researchers and academic communities

• Email campaigns to universities, departments, and research groups

• Collaborations with academic societies for broader exposure

• Search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance discoverability of published articles

You can also list your journal in directories and apply for inclusion in indexing services as your content grows.

Step 8: Plan for Long-Term Sustainability

Affordability doesn’t mean compromising on sustainability. Consider the following:

• Use open-source or low-cost tools for editing, layout design, and communication

• Buld a volunteer-based editorial and reviewer team

• Implement Article Processing Charges (APCs) or seek sponsorships from institutions

• Adopt automated production management software to reduce manual effort

Sustainable models will ensure that the journal continues to thrive without relying on large capital.

Conclusion

Creating and managing an open access journal is no longer limited to large publishing houses. With access to affordable software, cloud-based platforms, and digital tools, any academic professional or institution can launch a successful journal with minimal cost and maximum impact.

The key is in careful planning, the right technology, and a strong commitment to academic quality and transparency.

Ready to Launch? Start with Kryoni

Kryoni offers a comprehensive, all-in-one solution designed specifically for scholarly publishing. Our platform includes everything you need—manuscript submission, peer review management, production workflows, and open access hosting—all in one place.

Get started today.

Contact our team to request a free demo or learn how Kryoni can support your publishing journey.