How to Start a New Academic Journal with OJS

• Define the journal before configuring OJS
• Plan structure, roles, and workflow
• Prepare technical infrastructure
• DOI, metadata, and launch checklist

• Plans
• Services
• Contact

Before configuring OJS, define the journal scope, audience, article types, editorial board, peer review model, publication frequency, language policy, and governance.

OJS can support submission and publication workflows, but it cannot replace editorial planning. Clear policies and responsibilities reduce rework after the journal is already public.

The team should define sections, editor roles, reviewer workflow, author guidelines, decision stages, copyediting, production, and publication practices. These choices should be reflected in OJS settings.

Default settings may not match the journal's needs. A careful setup makes day-to-day editorial operation easier and helps staff understand what each role is expected to do.

A new OJS journal needs HTTPS, backups, email delivery, file storage, monitoring, theme foundation, issue structure, and support procedures. Technical readiness should be part of launch planning, not a last-minute task.

Email should be tested with real workflow messages. Backups should include the database, files, and configuration. The team should know who handles technical issues after launch.

If the journal will use DOI and Crossref, plan DOI patterns, metadata responsibilities, reference review, license data, ORCID collection, and correction procedures before launch.

A launch checklist should include test submissions, article page review, policy pages, contact information, metadata checks, backup verification, and a final review of public content. JournalsHQ services and plans can support the technical setup.