How to start a new Journal & Journal Supporting Software & DOI?

1. Define Your Journal’s Scope and Structure

• Choose a unique name and focus area.
• Define the aims, scope, and target audience.
• Assemble an editorial board of experts in the field.
• Decide on the journal’s publishing model (open access, subscription-based, or hybrid).

 2. Legal & Administrative Setup

• Register your journal with an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) through your country’s National ISSN Center.
• Determine your journal’s policies on peer review, plagiarism, copyright, and licensing (e.g., Creative Commons for open access).
• Establish an editorial workflow for submission, review, and publication.

 3. Journal Management & Publishing Software

You will need a journal management system for manuscript submission, peer review, and publishing. Popular options include:

Open-Source Journal Management Systems:

• OJS (Open Journal Systems) – Widely used for managing peer-reviewed journals.
• Website: https://pkp.sfu.ca/ojs/
• Janeway – Open-source publishing platform for academic journals.
• Website: https://www.janeway.systems/

OJS Service Provider & Hosting:

• OJSCloud – A specialized OJS hosting and service provider that offers setup, customization, and ongoing support for OJS-based journals.
• Website: https://www.ojscloud.com/
• PKP Publishing Services – Official hosting and support for OJS.
• Website: https://pkpservices.sfu.ca/

Paid & Hosted Platforms:

• Editorial Manager – Comprehensive peer-review workflow system.
• Website: https://www.ariessys.com/
• Scholastica – Cloud-based journal publishing and peer-review software.
• Website: https://scholasticahq.com/

4. Obtain a DOI (Digital Object Identifier)

A DOI ensures persistent linking and citation tracking for journal articles. To obtain DOIs:

Register with a DOI Provider:

• Crossref (most common) – https://www.crossref.org/
• DataCite – https://datacite.org/
• eISSN & DOI via Zenodo (for small journals) – https://zenodo.org/

Affordable DOI Registration via Sponsored Partner

• Sequence R&D – A CrossRef-sponsored partner offering DOI registration at very affordable rates for journals, conferences, and researchers.
• Website: https://sequencernd.com/doi.html

Steps to Get a DOI for Your Journal Articles:

1. Apply for a DOI prefix with CrossRef, Sequence R&D, or another DOI agency.
2. Assign a unique DOI to each published article.
3. Deposit metadata (title, author, abstract, publication date) with the DOI agency.
4. Ensure correct DOI linking and updates over time.

Tip: If using OJS, DOI assignment can be automated with the CrossRef plugin. OJSCloud offers expert assistance in setting up DOI integration for OJS-based journals.

5. Website & Hosting

• Create a professional website with information on submission guidelines, editorial policies, and published articles.
• Use OJS or Scholastica for hosting, or self-host on platforms like WordPress with plugins for academic publishing.
• OJSCloud provides managed hosting for OJS journals, ensuring smooth setup, security, and maintenance.
• Ensure indexing and search engine optimization (SEO) for better visibility.

6. Indexing & Promotion

• Apply for indexing in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals), and PubMed (if relevant).
• Use social media, academic networks (ResearchGate, Academia.edu), and email newsletters to promote your journal.
• Partner with universities and research institutions for credibility and submission outreach.

Final Thoughts

Launching a journal requires long-term commitment, but with the right software, expert support from OJSCloud, and affordable DOI registration through Sequence R&D, you can ensure credibility, visibility, and impact in the academic community. Would you like recommendations for funding sources or indexing assistance?