Q: Scientific Culture Q1 journal asking money for withdrawal as I have already told them that I don’t have money
I have submitted article in a journal named as Scientific Culture and they have done peer review within like 3 to 4 days. As I am an early career researcher, I didn't know that these kinds of things existed until I found that there is a fee to publish and also a withdrawal fee. I wrote various mails to the editor that I cannot pay due to financial constraints but they are sticking to get the withdrawal amount and threatening to go after my college and Dean and ask them to pay.
Answer: Dear reader,
What an unsettling position to be in. A fee to publish is not uncommon nowadays, although a rapid peer review is certainly a red flag. On top of it, you should retain the rights to your manuscript, so withdrawing should not be optional - it must be honored by the publisher. A fee to withdraw perhaps might be applicable if one had already signed off on the final manuscript and given permission to publish. At present, your manuscript is only under review, which means your withdrawing it - or them rejecting it - is all part of the peer review process. However, I would consult with someone who can guide you from your University library or publications office on such matters.
I found some helpful resources that might shed some light on this difficult situation and how to proceed. Hope you find an amicable resolution!
1. Predatory journal threatens to retract paper in an online mode if I do not pay high withdrawal fee. | Editage Insights
2. What can I do if the editor does not confirm my withdrawal request? | Editage Insights
3. Predatory Journals: What They Are and How to Avoid Them | Editage Insights
4. 10 Red flags to spot questionable open access journals | Editage Insights
5. Unethical withdrawal of a manuscript for submission to a higher impact factor journal
Wishing you all the best.
