Paying to publish: A cross-sectional analysis of article processing charges and journal characteristics among 87 pathology journals

Article processing charges are increasingly being levied on authors via publication fees to provide open access to readers. These charges may impose challenges to early career physicians seeking to publish research but pathology journal article processing charges have not been investigated to date. We aimed to quantify pathology journal article processing charges and investigate the potential associated factors. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of manuscript article processing charges among the 87 pathology journals in the “Pathology” category in Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate) and associated journal variables: publication model (open access vs hybrid), impact factor, year founded, journal location, journal publisher, medical society affiliation, whether the journal is published in print vs online, and subscription cost to institutions. Most (70.1 %, 61/87) journals were hybrid, while 29.9 % (26/87) were open access. Overall, the median cost to publish open access was significantly greater for hybrid journals compared with open access journals ($3710 vs $1735; P<0.0001). Article processing charges positively correlated with impact factor, journal publisher, and institutional journal subscription costs in bivariate analysis. In multivariable analysis, impact factor associated with higher charges, whereas open access journals, medical society affiliation, and location in a European country outside of the United Kingdom were associated with lower charges. There was no significant association between publication frequency, years since journal founding, or print and online publication. Understanding the potential fees that may impact pathologists attempting to publish in the biomedical literature as well as the options for covering these costs is crucial to ensure equitable career advancement opportunities.