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Introduction

Business models and funding

This subsection provides information about the different publishing models for open access books and explains green, gold and diamond open access. There are also articles about funding: how open access books are funded, common eligibility criteria to receive funding and how to find funding to cover open access publication costs.

For authors

Business models and funding

This article explores the various business models underpinning open access book publishing.

With options such as book processing charges, freemium, institutional subsidies, library membership and crowdfunding, authors can choose a model that aligns with their situation.

The diverse landscape of funding strategies highlights the necessity for authors to understand the financial implications and guarantees associated with each model, ensuring that their work reaches a wide audience without compromising quality.

Articles
  • Business models for OA book publishing
    As open access ebooks are freely available for everyone to read, additional revenue sources are required to help cover the costs of publication. A variety of business models are used to support open access books, including, but not limited to, book processing charges, institutional subsidy, subscribe-to-open, library membership and freemium models.
  • Green, gold, diamond – different models for open access books
    Open access can be achieved in a number of ways, with varying results. A publisher might make the book available open access, or an author might archive a pre-publication manuscript version in a repository for anyone to read. Other models are also explored in this article.
For authors

Funding OA books

This overview highlights the essential eligibility criteria and funding opportunities available for authors planning to publish open access books. The first article outlines common requirements for grant applications, including proof of peer review and acceptance by reputable publishers.

The second article delves into various funding sources, such as institutional support and crowdfunding, enabling authors to navigate the financial landscape effectively. Together, these insights serve as a valuable resource for researchers seeking to successfully secure funding for their open access publications.

Articles
  • Eligibility criteria for grant applications
    When writing your open access book, you may be able to apply for funding from a grant-making organisation, your institution, or your research funder. Specific requirements for such applications vary widely, but you should be aware of certain common eligibility criteria.
  • Finding funding for your OA book
    If your publisher requires that you provide funding to support the publication of your open access book via a book processing charge (BPC) or open access fee, you may be able to access funding from your institution or a grantmaking organisation. You or your publisher could also organise a crowdfunding campaign.