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Submissions & Manuscripts
1. How do I submit a manuscript to one of your journals?
All submissions must be sent through our official platform at press.openchristian.education or by email at Editor@openchristian.education. Simply select the journal you wish to submit to, review its scope, and follow the “Submit Manuscript” instructions.
2. Is there a specific format or template I must use?
No. We do not require rigid templates. Authors are free to design their manuscripts creatively, provided they include all essential sections—abstract, introduction, methodology, findings, and conclusion—and maintain consistency in formatting and citation.
3. What citation styles do you accept?
APA 7th edition is recommended, but authors may use other recognized styles (e.g., Chicago, MLA, SBL) as long as the chosen style is applied consistently throughout the manuscript.
4. Do you accept previously published manuscripts?
No. We only consider original, unpublished work that is not under review elsewhere.
5. Can I submit a manuscript that has appeared as a preprint?
Yes. We accept manuscripts posted on preprint servers, provided they were not under review at the time of posting. Authors must update the preprint with a link to the final published version once accepted.
6. What types of articles do you publish?
We accept original research, theoretical essays, case studies, theological reflections, commentaries, book reviews, and interdisciplinary works—depending on the scope of each journal.
Review Process
7. How does the peer review process work?
We use a single-blind peer review model. Reviewers remain anonymous to authors, but they can see the authors’ identity. Reviews typically take 1–2 weeks, i.e. from submission to publication.
8. How many reviewers will assess my manuscript?
We operate a single-blind review process, meaning that one independent expert reviewer will review and provide constructive feedback on your manuscript. However, depending on the complexity of the submission, the editorial team may decide to assign two or more experts.
9. What are the possible outcomes of peer review?
Manuscripts are either: (1) Accepted, (2) Accepted with Revisions, or (3) Rejected. In all cases, authors receive reviewer feedback.
10. Can I appeal a rejection decision?
Yes. Authors may appeal by writing a formal response to the editor, explaining their concerns. Appeals are reviewed respectfully and objectively.
Article Processing Charge (APC)
Article Processing Charge (APC)
11. Do I have to pay to publish?
Only after acceptance. A modest APC of $30 is required for accepted manuscripts to support operational costs. There is no fee to submit or review.
12. Are there exemptions or waivers available?
Yes. Open Journal of Business Theology (OJ-BT) and Open Journal of Stigmatized Knowledge & Suppressed Discourses (OJ-SKSD) are exempt from APCs. All Open Christian University students are also eligible for a full waiver. Authors facing hardship may request a confidential waiver.
13. Do reviewers or editors receive any benefit from APCs?
Yes. For APC-funded articles, 25% of the charge is offered to the primary reviewer, and 25% to the handling editor to help cover internet or communication costs. This is not remuneration and does not influence the quality of review or editorial decisions.
Ethics & Integrity
Ethics & Integrity
14. What happens if plagiarism is detected?
All manuscripts are screened with Turnitin and iThenticate. Minor overlap may lead to revisions; serious plagiarism results in rejection or retraction.
15. Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT when writing my paper?
Yes, in moderation. Authors may use AI for grammar, summarization, or drafting support—but must disclose its use in the manuscript. AI-generated content must not replace the author’s intellectual contribution.
16. What is your policy on corrections or retractions?
If errors or misconduct are discovered, we follow COPE guidelines to issue corrections or retractions transparently. Authors may also request corrections voluntarily.
Access, Licensing, and Archiving
Access, Licensing, and Archiving
17. Are your journals open access?
Yes. All articles are published under a Creative Commons License (CC BY Attribution) and are free to read, download, and share.
18. Do you archive published articles?
Yes. We use secure backups and are working toward integration with LOCKSS and CLOCKSS for decentralized digital preservation. Authors may also self-archive.
19. Will I receive a DOI for my article?
Yes. Every published article is assigned a permanent DOI for citation and discoverability.
Copyright & Licensing
Copyright & Licensing
20. Do I retain copyright over my article?
Yes. Authors retain full copyright. We simply request proper citation and link-back to the published version when the article is shared elsewhere.
Reviewers & Editors
Reviewers & Editors
21. How can I become a reviewer?
Qualified researchers may apply by emailing editor@openchristian.education with a brief CV and areas of expertise. Reviewers are selected based on experience and alignment with the journal’s mission.
22. Will I be acknowledged for my review work?
Yes. We provide certificates, letters of recognition, and optional listing on the journal site. For APC-funded articles, reviewers may receive 25% of the APC as a token of appreciation.
Contact & Support
Contact & Support
23. I have a technical issue. Whom do I contact?
Please write to Editor@openchristian.education for assistance with submission issues, formatting, or login problems.
24. Can I submit in a language other than English?
At this time, most journals publish in English. However, select journals may consider submissions in French or Kinyarwanda upon request and with proper translation. Please inquire with the editor in advance.
25. Can I propose a special issue or themed series?
Yes. Editors welcome proposals for special issues, especially if they align with current global, theological, or ethical concerns. Please email us to discuss the idea.
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