Publication Models

At STAR Scholars Press, we offer two distinct pathways for publishing scholarly work. Both pathways undergo the same rigorous double-blind peer review and meet high production standards, but they differ in how they are accessed and funded.

Set 1: Open Access (OA) Model

Best for authors who want maximum global reach and have institutional funding.

  • Access: The digital version (PDF/eBook) is available to the public for free, forever, with no registration required.

  • Licensing: Published under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. Authors retain copyright.

  • Funding: Supported by a Book Processing Charge (BPC). This fee is typically paid by the author’s university, a research grant, or an institutional fund.

  • Discoverability: Indexed in the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) and OAPEN, ensuring the book appears in library systems worldwide as a free resource.

  • Impact: OA books typically see 50% higher citation rates and significantly more downloads than traditional books.

  • Print Version: A physical Hardcover/Paperback is still available for purchase for those who prefer a print copy.

Set 2: Traditional (Non-OA) Model

Best for authors without institutional funding or those targeting library collections.

  • Access: The book is available via purchase only (Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook). It is sold through major global retailers and library wholesalers (60+).

  • Licensing: Published under a Traditional Copyright agreement. Rights are reserved to ensure the sustainability of the publication.

  • Funding: There is no cost to the author. STAR Scholars Press assumes the financial risk of production and recovers costs through book sales.

  • Discoverability: Included in global library databases and retail catalogs. Libraries purchase "perpetual access" or physical copies for their permanent collections.

  • Royalties: Authors may be eligible for royalty payments based on net sales once production costs are recouped.

  • Permissions: Third parties must request formal permission from the Press to reuse or redistribute content.

Which Model Should You Choose?

Feature Open Access Traditional
Reader Cost Free (Digital) Paid / Library Access
Author Fee Yes (BPC) $0 (Free)
Copyright Author (CC License) Standard Copyright
Global Reach Immediate & Unrestricted Market-Based