For Authors

1. Introduction

Language Bridge Academic Journal is dedicated to upholding high-quality standards in the publication of scholarly research. Staff has worked diligently to adhere to established industry norms, minimize costs to maintain Language Bridge Academic Journal's rigorous standards, and maximize researcher participation. 1

To sustain our open access publishing model and cover the costs involved in the publication process, we typically charge an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $200 for each accepted manuscript. There is no fee for submitting an article for review. Our commitment to fiscal transparency is outlined below.

1.1 Background

• Please read Angel Borrego's (2023) article, "Article processing charges for open access journal publishing: A review", for more information on the APC model, trending APC fee structures, and how APC fees have been integrated into the academic journal publishing community.
  Borrego, A. (2023). Article processing charges for open access journal publishing: A review. Learned Publishing, 36(3), 359-378. Please read AK Journals explanation of how APC fees are typically used to cover expenses:
  https://akjournals.com/page/article-processing-charge/everything-you-need-to-know-about-article-processing-charges

2. Language Bridge Academic Journal Article Processing Charges (APC)

2.1 Standard APC

The standard APC for publishing an article in Language Bridge Academic Journal is USD$200.00. This fee is applied to all manuscripts upon acceptance after the peer review process. It covers expenses such as editorial management, peer review coordination, typesetting, proofreading, and online hosting. There is NO fee for submitting an article for review.

2.2 Discounts and Waivers

• Authors from Low-Income and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: Authors from countries classified as low-income or lower-middle-income by the World Bank may qualify for discounts or complete waivers. Please refer to the LBAJ Global Equity Access Program for an updated list of eligible countries.
• Special Cases: Authors experiencing financial hardship may apply for a partial or full waiver. These requests are reviewed individually and approved at the discretion of the editorial board.

2.3 Language Bridge Academic Journal International Community Programs

• Frequent Author Discounts: Returning authors who have previously published with us may be eligible for discounts on future submissions. For details, reach out to the editorial office.
• Global Equity Access Program: Researchers are automatically considered for reductions or waivers based on their institutional affiliation's country classification. Authors facing financial hardship, regardless of country classification, may apply for further APC assistance. Please refer to the Global Equity Access Program link for more information or contact LBAJ staff via email if you have further questions.

3. Inclusions and Exclusions

3.1 Included APC Services

• Editorial and Peer Review: Comprehensive oversight of the editorial and peer review process.
• Typesetting and Formatting: Professional typesetting, formatting, and conversion to digital formats (PDF and HTML).
• Proofreading: Rigorous proofreading to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the manuscript.
• Online Hosting: Secure online hosting to ensure global accessibility of the article.
• Indexing and Archiving: Inclusion in major academic databases and provision for long-term digital archiving

3.2 Additional Services

Language Editing: Authors requiring assistance with English language editing can avail themselves of our optional editing services for an additional fee. Contact us for rates and further details can be found in the editing services link.

4. Payment Process

4.1 Payment Timeline

Authors are required to remit the APC after their manuscript has been accepted. The payment process is initiated once the manuscript successfully completes peer review and is approved for publication.

4.2 Payment Methods

APCs can be paid through various methods, including credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Wise Transfer, or Western Union. Detailed payment instructions will be provided upon acceptance of the manuscript.

4.3 Invoicing

An invoice will be issued to the corresponding author or designated payer, containing payment details and the due date. Timely payment is necessary to avoid delays in the publication process.

5. Refund Policy

5.1 Refund Eligibility

APCs are generally non-refundable. However, exceptions may be made in cases of errors on the part of Language Bridge Academic Journal or if an article is withdrawn for editorial reasons before publication.

6. Contact Information

For inquiries about APCs, discounts, waivers, or payment methods, please contact:

• Language Bridge Academic Journal
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.languagebridgejournal.com