Publication Fee Calculator FAQ

General

Can I upload the Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or LaTeX version of my article?: Only PDFs can be uploaded for the publication fee calculator. Word counters vary across software packages. For this reason, the normalized PDF version is used. This ensures fairness and allows you to determine publication fees at any time.
Why are PDFs required?: Word counters vary across software packages. For this reason, the normalized PDF version is used. This ensures fairness and allows you to determine publication fees at any time.
How do I convert my file to PDF?: Conversion methods vary depending on the software package that you used. See How do I create a PDF?.

What is a word equivalent?: A word equivalent is 6 characters or spaces. There are 380 word equivalents in 1 publication unit.
What is a publication unit?: Publication units are based on number of word equivalents in PDF, number of figures, and number of online-only materials and are used to determine fees; see Publication Fees (PDF).
What are color options and costs?: There is no charge for color online. Color options and costs for the print version vary by journal and are built into the calculator. For specific information, see Publication Fees (PDF).
What are online-only materials?: Online-only materials are files that accompany your article and are supporting in nature. They are not included in the online PDF or the print version. Typically these are data sets, static figures, and dynamic files. Note that fees for dynamic files are waived through 2008.
What is excess length and how are those fees calculated?: Excess length fees are intended to encourage authors to write concisely in order to present their research more effectively. The point at which the length is considered excess varies by journal. For example, in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans section, publication units over 36 are considered excess. Articles exceeding that number of units are billed a per-unit excess length fee in addition to the basic publication fee.

How will I find out my official publication fees from AGU?: After a manuscript is accepted, staff in Order Processing will calculate fees using your final files. You will receive via e-mail an itemized summary of fees and be asked to provide standard billing information. Final bills will be sent at the time of publication.
Where can I find information on publication fees?: See Publication Fees.
Who should I contact with questions about publication fees?: Contact pubfees@agu.org.
What happens if I want to change my options during the production process?: For color option changes, contact your Editor’s Assistant or copy editor. For electronic reprint changes, contact pubfees@agu.org.