• In some research areas, there are few or no appropriate open-access publication venues.
• Researchers want to manage journals themselves to ensure that editorial decisions are based solely on scientific criteria and the need of the research community.
• As a commitment to Open Science principles, Diamond OA journals support equitable access to knowledge and remove publication fees for authors and readers.
• A research community needs a journal to strengthen disciplinary identity and collaboration.
• New initiatives emerge due to limitations of traditional publishing models: high costs, a lack of transparency and slow editorial processes.

Starting a journal is an exciting, yet complex process. Prospective editors need to consider many aspects before the launch.

Under resources for editors you can find information on all the necessary steps towards starting a new journal. You’ll find the steps in the resources for editors starting a new journal.

Not all Diamond OA journals are newly established. Many started as subscription-based or APC-funded journals that transitioned to a Diamond OA model – a process known as “flipping”.

Editorial boards may consider such a transition for several reasons:

• Reduced editorial independence under existing publishing agreements
• Misalignment between academic goals and commercial publishing models (e.g. high subscription fees or APCs)
• Publisher interference in editorial decisions
• Pressure to publish more without adequate support
• Concerns that profit outweighs scholarly quality

Cases of editorial board resignations and public disputes in academic publishing (as reported by sources such as Retraction watch’s resignation list) highlight the tensions that can arise within commercial publishing systems.

In this context, flipping to Diamond OA can support greater editorial autonomy, strengthen scholarly control, and enable more sustainable, community-driven publishing models.

You’ll find the steps to flip a journal in the resources for editors: Flipping an existing journal to Diamond OA