Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Open Christian Press?
Open Christian Press is the scholarly publishing arm of Open Christian University, co-published in partnership with the Center for Faith and Work. It publishes journals, books, monographs, textbooks, professional resources and selected institutional publications.
Where are the journals and books published?
Journals are managed through Open Journal Systems at journals.openchristian.education. Books and monographs are managed through Open Monograph Press at books.openchristian.education. This corporate website presents the Press, its policies, services and publication pathways.
Does publication imply endorsement of every author's conclusion?
No. Publication means that the work was accepted under the disclosed editorial process. Authors remain responsible for their arguments and conclusions.
Journal submissions
How do I select a journal?
Compare your manuscript with the journal's aims, scope, article types and recent publications. Submit only where the manuscript directly serves that readership.
What review model is used?
The applicable model is stated by the individual journal. Most scholarly journals use independent external review, commonly double-anonymised where practicable. The journal page is the controlling source.
How long does review take?
Timelines vary with scope, reviewer availability, manuscript quality and revision. A first peer-review outcome commonly requires several weeks. Authors should consult the current journal page rather than relying on a universal guarantee.
May I submit the same manuscript elsewhere at the same time?
No. Simultaneous submission is not permitted.
Book proposals
Must I complete the book before proposing it?
Not always. Authors may submit a proposal with an annotated table of contents and sample material. A complete manuscript may be requested before final acceptance.
Are all books peer reviewed?
No. Every book is clearly classified. Scholarly monographs and edited academic volumes ordinarily undergo external peer review. Textbooks, professional works, Christian educational resources and commissioned publications may undergo expert or editorial review appropriate to their purpose.
Can a thesis or dissertation become a book?
Yes, but a thesis normally requires substantial redevelopment for a wider audience. Examination is not the same as book peer review, and the work should not merely reproduce the deposited thesis.
Will the Press publish print and e-book editions?
Formats depend on the publication agreement, market, rights and production plan. A title may have open-access digital, print-on-demand, commercial e-book or multiple editions.
Fees and waivers
Do journal authors pay a fee?
Some journals charge an article processing fee after acceptance, while others are fee-free. The current fee is displayed on the individual journal page and the Fees, Funding and Waivers page.
What are the current journal fees?
As of July 2026, the standard article processing charge is USD 30 where applicable. The Open Journal of Business Theology and Open Journal of Stigmatized Knowledge & Suppressed Discourses are fee-free. Open Christian University students receive a full waiver, subject to verification and current policy.
Does payment influence acceptance?
No. Fees are administered separately from editorial judgement. Editors and reviewers do not receive a percentage of an article processing charge for recommending acceptance.
Are book fees the same as article fees?
No. Book costs vary by length, complexity, review, editing, design, format and distribution. Any contribution or charge must be stated in a written proposal or agreement and does not guarantee acceptance.
Identifiers and access
Do publications receive DOIs?
Eligible journal articles and books receive Crossref DOIs. Chapter DOIs may be assigned where chapters are independently citable and the publication plan supports them.
Do books receive ISBNs?
Eligible book formats receive ISBNs according to the relevant rules. Different editions or formats may require separate ISBNs.
Are publications open access?
Journal articles are generally open access. Book access models vary and are disclosed on the title page and catalogue record.
AI and editorial support
May authors use generative AI?
Responsible assistance is permitted subject to human verification, disclosure where material and the AI policy. AI cannot be an author and must not fabricate sources, data or findings.
Can Open Christian Press edit my manuscript before submission?
Selected editorial services may be available, but using them does not guarantee acceptance and the publication decision remains independent.
Contact
Where should I send an enquiry?
Use the Contact page and select the relevant category so that the message reaches the appropriate journal, book, rights, ethics, accessibility or services pathway.