Author Fees for Online Publication

Like the journals themselves, AGU publication fees have been restructured to accommodate the new online, publish-as-ready approach. The new fee structure is based on authors' providing electronic files of their text and art in acceptable formats (Word, WordPerfect, and LaTeX for text, and .eps or .tif for digital art). However, if you are unable to supply electronic files, you can opt for a higher-charge, full-service route in which AGU will create electronic files from hard copy. All authors for AGU journals are expected to support the journal archive through fees based on number as well as size of article files. The revenue from these fees is set aside for the "Perpetual Care Trust Fund," which will support the migration of the journal archive to new formats or media as technology changes. For several journals, excess length fees remain in place to encourage submission of concisely written articles. During this first transition year, most author fees are based on the number of print page equivalents (pdf) in an article; in the future, however, charges are expected to be associated with file size. The specific fees for each journal are posted on AGU's Web site under Publications - Tools for Authors.

AGU journals now feature two formats: linked and searchable Web display and hard copy printing, both locally and in bound volumes. This dual-production model requires three file outputs for every article: html for online presentation, pdf for printing, and sgml for permanent storage in a secure archive.

Each article must be coded into a detailed markup language to support the archival output, making author fees even more critical in the electronic medium. This coding requirement also means that AGU journals can no longer accept camera-ready copy, which served previously as a lower-charge option for authors.

The electronic medium also offers authors new choices in the use of color art. You can opt for color images only online at no additional cost and may provide a black and white version of each figure for the print product. If you desire color both online and in print there will be a fee to cover printing costs. These printing fees are substantially lower than in previous years, as long as you provide electronic files that meet AGU specifications. A full description of the options and corresponding fees can be found at www.agu.org/pubs/e_publishing/color_pricing.html.

AGU journals rely on three sources of revenue: institutional subscriptions, member subscriptions, and author fees. Author fees are expected to cover the added costs of special services, like printing color or keying from hard copy. Author fees in the form of "page charges" reduce the dependence on subscription revenue and keep member and institutional rates low. Authors help assure broad distribution by honoring these fees; however, authors unable to honor the fees should contact headquarters about reduction or waiver of fees.