How can I start journal?

To start a journal, you need to follow a structured process, which includes planning, setting up the journal website, and managing editorial workflows. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide based on the document you provided:

Step 1: Plan Your Journal

Before starting the technical setup, you need to define the core aspects of your journal.

1.1 Choose a Journal Title

• Select a unique and relevant title that reflects your journal’s focus area.
• Check if the title is already in use via ISSN Portal.
• Ensure the domain name is available for your journal website.

1.2 Define the Scope & Aims

• Clearly outline the journal’s subject area and research focus.
• Determine the type of articles you will publish (original research, review articles, case studies, etc.).
• Identify the target audience (academics, researchers, industry professionals, etc.).

1.3 Form an Editorial Board

• Recruit at least 7 members (academicians, researchers, or industry experts).
• Appoint an Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board members.
• Ensure at least two international members for wider credibility.
• Editorial members should have official institute email IDs (e.g., name@university.edu).

1.4 Establish Journal Policies

You need to create policies that govern journal operations:

1. Privacy Policy – Handling user data securely.
2. Terms of Service – Rules for using the journal platform.
3. Content Submission Guidelines –

• Submission process
• Manuscript formatting
• Peer review guidelines
• Copyright & licensing policies

1. Ethical Guidelines – Research integrity, plagiarism policy.
2. Open Access Policy – If applicable.
3. Refund & Subscription Policies – If the journal has paid services.
4. Accessibility Policy – Ensuring website usability for all users.
5. Security Policy – Protecting journal data and preventing cyber threats.

Step 2: Set Up the Journal Website

2.1 Register a Domain Name

• Purchase a suitable domain (e.g., from GoDaddy or BigRock).
• If managing multiple journals, consider a broader domain-like www.ajjournals.org.
• Buy both .org and .com domains to prevent duplication or fraud.

2.2 Choose Hosting & Software

Since you are using Open Journal Systems (OJS), you can host your journal through OJSCloud.

OJSCloud Hosting Plan:

• Starter Hosting Plan – ₹11,900/year
• Website Setup with Provided Content – ₹15,890 (one-time)
• Total (including GST @18%) – ₹32,792

2.3 Journal Website Development by OJSCloud

After you provide all the required details, OJSCloud will:

1. Develop the journal website (takes around 14 working days).
2. Provide a review version for checking.
3. Let you verify the content and request any corrections.
4. Make the journal live by connecting your domain to hosting.
5. Provide admin panel access to manage submissions, peer review, and publishing.

Step 3: Obtain ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)

• An e-ISSN is required for online journals.
• OJSCloud offers ISSN Consultancy Services to guide you through the application process.
• The ISSN agency requires:
• Editorial board details
• At least 6 research articles in the first issue
• A functional journal website
• Consistent publication schedule

Step 4: Implement Peer Review & Publishing Workflow

4.1 Configure the Editorial Workflow in OJS

• Submission System: Authors submit their papers via the OJS journal portal.
• Review Process: Editors assign papers to reviewers.
• Revisions & Acceptance: Authors make changes based on reviewer feedback.
• Final Publication: Approved articles are published in an issue.

4.2 Assign Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) (Optional)

• Crossref DOI Services ensure article identification and citation tracking.
• OJSCloud can help obtain a DOI prefix and configure DOI plugins for article registration.

4.3 Set Up Plagiarism Check (Optional)

• Journals can integrate Crossref Similarity Check (iThenticate by Turnitin) to check for plagiarism.

Step 5: Launch & Promote Your Journal

Once your journal website is live:

• Announce the launch via email and social media.
• Invite researchers to submit papers.
• Index the journal in databases like Google Scholar, Scopus, and DOAJ (OJSCloud offers indexing consultancy).
• Regularly publish issues to maintain credibility.

Additional Services from OJSCloud - A Leading OJS Service Provider

OJSCloud offers various add-on services to enhance your journal:

• Cloudflare Security Solution – Protects against malware & DDoS attacks.
• Custom OJS Themes – Enhances journal website design.
• Crossref DOI Services – Provides DOI registration.
• Volume-Issue Organizer Plugin – Organizes published issues.
• Article View/Download Counter – Tracks article popularity.
• Author Certificate Generator – Automatically generates author certificates.
• Annual Maintenance & Support – 24/7 website maintenance & security.
• Back Office Journal Management – Manages article submissions, plagiarism checks, and DOI assignments.
• Indexing Consultancy – Helps list the journal in major research databases.

To start a journal, you need to:

1. Plan: Choose a title, scope, and editorial board.
2. Register a Domain: Secure a website name for your journal.
3. Set Up the Website: Use OJSCloud hosting & OJS software.
4. Develop Editorial Policies: Define peer review & publication rules.
5. Obtain an ISSN: Apply for an e-ISSN for your journal.
6. Implement Peer Review & DOI: Manage article submissions, assign reviewers, and register DOIs.
7. Launch & Promote: Publish articles and attract submissions.
8. Maintain & Upgrade: Opt for security, indexing, and back-office management services.

Total Cost (Basic Setup with OJSCloud)

• ₹32,792 (Including GST, One Journal with Hosting)
• Optional add-ons are available for additional features.

For further assistance, contact inquiry@ojscloud.com or visit OJSCloud.