Cost of open access publishing in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery

Open access (OA) publishing makes research more accessible but is associated with steep article processing charges (APCs). The study objective was to characterize the APCs of OA publishing in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) journals. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of published policies of 110 OHNS journals collated from three databases. The primary outcomes were the publishing model, APC for original research, and APC waiver policy. We identified 110 OHNS journals (57 fully OA, 47 hybrid, 2 subscription‐only, 4 unknown model). After excluding 12 journals (2 subscription‐only, 4 unknown model, 5 OA with unspecified APCs, and 1 OA that accepts publications only from society members), we analyzed 98 journals, 23 of which did not charge APCs. Among 75 journals with nonzero APCs, the mean and median APCs were $2452 and $2900 (interquartile range: $1082–3520). Twenty‐five journals (33.3%) offered APC subsidies for authors in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and/or on a case‐by‐case basis. Eighty‐five and 25 journals were based in high‐income countries (HICs) and LMICs, respectively. The mean APC was higher among HIC journals than LMIC journals ($2606 vs. $958, p< 0.001). APCs range from tens to thousands of dollars with limited waivers for authors in LMICs. Open access publishing in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery can cost up to thousands of dollars.High article processing charges can disproportionately affect researchers in low‐ and middle‐income countries and negatively impact research dissemination. Open access publishing in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery can cost up to thousands of dollars. High article processing charges can disproportionately affect researchers in low‐ and middle‐income countries and negatively impact research dissemination.