Author Submission Guidelines & APC Policy
Manuscript Types
AJPSI accepts the following formats:
- Original Research Articles: Empirical or theoretical studies with clear contribution to knowledge.
- Review Articles: Synthesis of research trends and future directions.
- Policy Analysis & Commentary: Evidence‑based analysis with practical relevance.
- Case Studies: Context‑specific investigations illuminating broader issues.
- Book Reviews: Evaluative reviews by invitation.
Submission Preparation Checklist
Before submitting, ensure the following:
- Manuscript is original, unpublished, and not under review elsewhere.
- Submission aligns with AJPSI’s aims and scope.
- All authors agree to submission and authorship order.
- Manuscript follows AJPSI formatting guidelines.
- English language clarity and academic style are maintained.
- All required documents are included (cover letter, author details).
Manuscript Formatting
General Requirements:
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
- Line spacing: 1.5.
- Margins: 1 inch (2.54 cm).
- Page numbers: Bottom center.
Required Sections:
Manuscripts must include a Title Page (Title, author names, affiliations, and corresponding author details), an Abstract of 250–300 words, and 4-5 Keywords. The main text should follow the standard structure: Introduction, Literature/Theoretical Framework, Methodology, Results/Findings, Discussion, Conclusion & Policy Implications, and References formatted in APA 7th edition, Tables & Figures (numbered, captioned).
Cover Letter Requirements
The cover letter should include:
- Statement of originality and non‑duplication.
- Summary of relevance to AJPSI’s aims
- Disclosure of conflicts of interest
- Ethical clearances and funding information
Peer Review & Acceptance Metrics
AJPSI employs a double‑blind peer review. This involves initial editorial screening for relevance and formatting, followed by external review by at least two independent reviewers. Final decisions are made by the Editor‑in‑Chief.
Editorial Metrics
- Overall Acceptance Rate: Approximately 25–30%.
- AI‑Pre‑Screen Pass Rate: 20–40% of submissions pass AI structural/quality screening to proceed to review.
- Note: Final editorial decisions remain human-led.
Article Processing Charges (APC)
AJPSI is open access. APCs support processing, DOI assignment, and archiving. Fees are only charged upon acceptance.
| Category | APC (USD) |
|---|---|
| Standard APC | $50 |
| Discounted APC (African/LMIC Authors) | $30 |
| APC Waiver | Case-by-case basis |
Ethical Standards
AJPSI adheres to international publication ethics, including zero tolerance for plagiarism, requirements for ethical clearance for human subjects, and mandatory declaration of conflicts of interest.