The Benefits and Pitfalls of Platinum Open Access Book Publishing

By eContent Pro on Aug 26, 2025

Open access publishing has transformed the academic landscape, offering new opportunities for authors, editors, readers, and the broader scholarly community. eContent Pro’s new book publishing program, eContent Pro International Press, is committed to advancing knowledge through platinum open access publishing, where books are made freely available to readers worldwide. While no publishing model is without its challenges, the benefits of platinum open access far outweigh the pitfalls, particularly when it comes to visibility, accessibility, and long-term impact.

Benefits of Platinum Open Access Book Publishing

Higher Impact and Reach

By removing paywalls and subscription barriers, scholarly work is accessible to anyone, anywhere. Unlike traditional publishing, where access is limited to well-funded institutions, platinum open access ensures that scholars, practitioners, and students across the globe can engage with new knowledge. This openness allows research to inform policy, guide practice, and spark innovation on a global scale.

Research from Taylor & Francis demonstrates the clear advantages:

  • Born open access titles receive 14 times as many views and downloads as non-OA titles in the first 12 months after publication.
  • They are accessed from three times as many countries as non-OA titles.
  • They are read at four times as many institutions as non-OA titles.

In short, open access books are not only more visible, they are significantly more globally disseminated and more widely adopted.

Higher Usage Rates

On average, open access works are two to three times more likely to be read than paywalled content. Greater readership means ideas are shared more widely and engaged with more deeply, increasing scholarly influence and real-world application.

Higher Download Rates

With platinum open access, books can be downloaded, shared, and distributed without restriction. Studies show that open access research is downloaded 89% more often than traditionally published works, ensuring broader reach and sustained visibility long after publication.

Higher Citation Rates

On average, open access books are cited 50% to 70% more often than their non-open access counterparts. For authors and editors, higher citation rates mean stronger academic credibility, greater recognition, and increased opportunities for funding, collaboration, and career advancement.

Advancing Equity in Knowledge Sharing

Platinum open access goes beyond metrics. By removing financial and geographical barriers, eContent Pro International Press promotes equitable knowledge dissemination. Authors publishing with us position themselves as leaders in advancing inclusive, accessible scholarship that benefits communities worldwide.

The Pitfalls to Consider

While the advantages are significant, platinum open access is not without challenges.

Perceived Prestige

Some academic circles continue to value traditional publishers with long-established reputations. However, open access is rapidly gaining credibility across disciplines.

Funding Misconceptions

Many open access book publishing models require authors to pay book processing charges (BPCs). At eContent Pro International Press, these charges are affordable, transparent, and typically funded by institutions or grants, minimizing barriers for authors.

Quality Concerns

Early predatory publishers created skepticism. To address this, we uphold rigorous peer review and editorial standards, ensuring every book meets the highest levels of scholarly excellence.

Affordable, High-Quality Open Access Publishing

At eContent Pro International Press, we are dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality open access book publishing. Our Book Processing Charges (BPCs) cover the complete cost of publishing a book, including peer review, editing, design, production, and global distribution. These costs are typically covered by sponsoring institutions or research grants, allowing authors to publish at no personal expense.

Our Highly Affordable BPCs (Among the Lowest in Academic Publishing)

Word Count Cost (USD)
70,000–100,000 $9,000*
100,001–125,000 $11,500
125,001–150,000 $14,000
150,001–200,000 $16,500

*Most open access books fall within this range.

When divided among multiple authors or editors, the cost per person is manageable. For example:

  • Two collaborators on a 70,000 to 100,000 word book would each secure just $4,500 in funding.
  • Three collaborators would only need to secure $3,000 each.

Funding is often available through institutional open access funds, departmental budgets, or external research grants. Combined with cost-sharing among collaborators, publishing under platinum open access is both practical and achievable.

Our Commitment to Authors and Editors

We understand that navigating funding can be a concern, which is why we offer guidance, documentation, and institutional support to help authors secure financial backing. Our model ensures that your work is published without financial burden while maintaining rigorous editorial and production standards.

Do Not Hold Your Research Back

By placing work behind paywalls, researchers limit their readership, visibility, and ultimately their career advancement. Traditional publishing restricts access to those who can afford it, holding back opportunities for global dissemination and professional growth. Platinum open access, in contrast, maximizes impact, fosters collaborations, and establishes authors as leaders in their fields.

The data is clear: open access books outperform non-open access books in every measurable way. From readership and downloads to citations and global reach, the benefits are overwhelming.

Submit Your Open Access Book Proposal

eContent Pro International Press is a mission-driven open access book publisher headquartered in New York, New York, USA. As the first U.S.-based commercial book publisher operating exclusively under a platinum open access model, we ensure that every peer-reviewed scholarly research book and professional/practitioner-oriented book we publish is freely available for readers everywhere to read, share, and build upon, without paywalls or restrictions.

By publishing with us, you contribute meaningful work to the global research community, gain professional recognition, expand your visibility, and open doors to valuable academic and industry collaborations.

Do not let paywalls limit your impact. Submit your open access book proposal to eContent Pro International Press today and take the next step in advancing equitable knowledge worldwide.

About eContent Pro

Headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, eContent Pro is a trusted global provider of high-quality professional copy editing and editorial services tailored for academic and professional authors. Since 2015, we have proudly supported thousands of writers, researchers, and editors in enhancing the clarity, accuracy, and impact of their written work. From manuscripts and journal articles to book chapters and beyond, our team of expert editors ensure each document is meticulously refined to meet the highest standards of publication. With a strong commitment to speed, precision, and personalized care, eContent Pro delivers flawless publication-ready content to authors across a variety of disciplines.

Why Choose eContent Pro?

Highest Quality – Ensure clarity and increase the impact of your work
Fastest Turnaround – Receive your final materials within 1 to 2 business days at no extra cost
Competitive Pricing – Enjoy affordable rates without compromising on quality
Exceptional Customer Service – Experience personalized support every step of the way

For more insights on academic writing, publishing best practices, and manuscript preparation, stay connected with eContent Pro by reading our other articles, subscribing to our mailing list, and following us on Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Posted in:
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Receive new blog post updates
Subscribe
ECP Discount
Follow Us On Social Media
OSEI