How to choose the publishing model of an academic journal (open access or subscription)?

Authors may select either open access (OA) or subscription models, with the choice feasible based on research goals, funding, and disciplinary practices. OA typically offers immediate, free readership online upon payment of an Article Processing Charge (APC), while subscription relies on reader or institutional payments for access. Key factors include funding availability, as OA often requires significant APCs that grants may cover. Discipline conventions matter, as certain fields predominantly use specific models. Consider intended audience reach: OA maximizes global visibility and potential impact, while established subscription journals might offer high prestige. Archiving and copyright retention policies also differ significantly between models. Assess target journal policies via directories like Sherpa Romeo. Confirm available funding for APCs or institutional OA support schemes. Balance the need for broad accessibility against budget constraints and career-stage objectives concerning journal reputation. Choose the model that optimally aligns with dissemination goals, financial resources, and disciplinary expectations for research impact.