Funding for the Book Processing Charge of your Open Access Book
Who is this step-by-step guide for?
In addition, this guide is for librarians who want to learn more about compliance, cost transparency, or the cost breakdown of book publishing charges, depository, and book peer review. For a detailed and transparent breakdown of our costs, read here “What do the open access ‘processing charges’ (CPC, BPC) cover with MDPI Books?".
Find Funding for the Book Processing Charge of your Open Access Book
Step 1
Understand open access book publishing
If you are affiliated with a university or require additional assistance for further information on funding possibilities, please contact us or check out our FAQs on the Support page.Step 2
Research open access book publishers
Identify reputable open access book publishers, prioritizing those with transparent pricing and peer review policies. For example, MDPI Books covers the cost of editing services, arranging peer review, cover design, online hosting, dissemination, and marketing within the BPC.Step 3
Review funding opportunities
Explore funding options for open access publishing by checking institutional policies, as some universities offer support. National research funders may also provide assistance. Confirm early if your funding body allows or requires open access publishing and if costs can be included in your application. If tied to a funded research project, submit your proposal, detailing your background and book plans.If your request needs to be linked to a funded project or if you need help, please submit your proposal, including author background and book details, and contact us or on the Support page.
Step 4
Select an open access publisher and get your book contracted
Finalize your choice of an open access publisher. Confirm their publication process, timelines, and any specific requirements. We recommend consulting "Think. Check. Submit." to identify trusted publishers. Work with the publisher to finalize licensing and copyright agreements, ensuring alignment with your intention to publish open access. Verify compliance with funding institution policies, such as external peer review requirements.Step 5
Apply for funding
Submit a funding request to cover the BPC, highlighting the academic and societal benefits of open access. Be aware that some funders, like the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), may require completed peer reviews and documentation before submission. Following these steps will help you publish an open access book with university support.Step 6
Reach out to your selected open access publisher with your funding documents
If you are not affiliated with a university or require additional assistance, you can contact our MDPI Books Team for further information on funding possibilities.Knowledge Unlatched
MDPI Books takes part in Knowledge Unlatched's crowdfunding program, which empowers book authors and journal editorial boards to secure library funding for publishing their open access works. The process is overseen by MDPI Books.
Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)
The SNSF finances the publication of scientific books that are freely and electronically accessible without restrictions or delays (Gold Open Access). This funding opportunity covers peer-reviewed monographs and edited books, whether they result from an SNSF-funded project or not. MDPI Books can collaborate on the application and provide the peer review material in an SNSF approved format.
Know of an institution that funds open access books? Recommend them to us so we can include them in our list!