We are thrilled to announce the launch of JAMS's freemium pricing model, marking a pivotal moment in making professional journal management accessible to publishers worldwide. This strategic shift transforms JAMS from a traditional fee-based platform into "the editorial partner you always wished you had," offering free access to enterprise-grade publishing tools for journals publishing up to 20 manuscripts annually.

Breaking Down Barriers in Academic Publishing

Our new freemium model directly addresses the challenges faced by small and independent publishers, especially those in the Global South, Diamond Open Access journals, and emerging publications that have been priced out of professional submission systems. Unlike traditional platforms that charge fees from the first submission, JAMS now provides a comprehensive publishing solution at no cost for qualifying journals.

"Introducing a Freemium model is a perfect continuation of our commitment to supporting small and independent publishers, providing them with accessible, professional-level tools for both new and established journals”, said Silvano Bonfatti, our Product Manager at JAMS.

Two-Tier System Designed for Growth

The new pricing structure featrues two primary tiers designed for publishers at different stages of their journey:

• Starter Tier (with our Freemium Option): Ideal for small independent journals and new publishers, offering free access to the complete JAMS submission and peer review platform for journals publishing up to 20 manuscripts annually. Beyond this threshold, the fee is just $27 per accepted manuscript.
• Premium Tier: Tailored for established commercial publishers and societies, providing dedicated migration support and custom development capabilities at $36 per accepted manuscript.

Backed by Two Decades of Open Access Expertise

The freemium launch leverages MDPI's extensive experience in open access publishing, built through managing 500 journals and partnering with more than 180 learned societies for over 20 years. This proven expertise ensures that even free-tier users benefit from tried-and-tested systems and industry best practices.

The platform addresses a critical gap in the market, where 68% of publishers currently rely on basic solutions like Open Journal Systems (OJS) or manual processes. JAMS offers these publishers a clear upgrade path to modern infrastructure without the traditional financial barriers.

Beyond Technology: True Editorial Partnership

What sets JAMS apart is our evolution from mere technology provision to offering a comprehensive editorial partnership. The newly launched Editorial Guidance service provides strategic support to help journals improve quality, increase visibility, and navigate indexing processes.

Publishers interested in exploring JAMS's freemium model can access the new pricing calculator at jams.pub, allowing them to simulate costs based on their specific needs and eligibility for discount programs.

For more information about JAMS and its commitment to empowering scholarly publishers, visit jams.pub or contact the team at contact@jams.pub.