ManuscriptLab’s Journal Launch Setup provides everything a new academic journal needs to go from concept to live — ISSN registration, full OJS platform configuration, editorial board formation, journal branding, indexing applications, and first-issue production support, all managed by our experienced publishing team.
Journal Launch Setup is ManuscriptLab’s comprehensive service for researchers, institutions, professional societies, and publishers who want to launch a new peer-reviewed academic journal — but need expert guidance and hands-on setup support to navigate the complex technical, regulatory, and editorial requirements involved.
Launching a credible academic journal requires far more than a website. It requires ISSN registration, a properly configured OJS submission platform, a defined peer review workflow, a recruited editorial board, a journal indexing strategy, and a professionally produced first issue — all of which ManuscriptLab handles under one structured launch program so your journal is positioned for long-term credibility from day one.
We install, configure, and customise Open Journal Systems (OJS 3.x) from scratch — submission workflows, peer review settings, user roles, email templates, and your journal's branding applied throughout the platform.
We handle the complete ISSN application process for both print and online ISSNs — along with your journal's scope statement, aims, author guidelines, and COPE-aligned publication ethics policy.
We prepare and submit your journal for DOAJ listing, CrossRef DOI registration, Google Scholar indexing, and provide a clear roadmap toward Scopus and PubMed Central eligibility once criteria are met.
We manage the complete production of volume 1, issue 1 — manuscript editing, JATS XML tagging, layout, online publication on OJS, and DOI assignment for every article — giving your journal a professionally credible launch.
A complete, end-to-end journal launch program — from legal registration and platform setup through editorial board formation, branding, indexing applications, and first issue publication.
Complete ISSN application management for both print and online ISSNs — plus journal scope statement, aims and scope documentation, and publication ethics policy drafting fully aligned with COPE standards and indexing body requirements.
Full Open Journal Systems (OJS 3.x) installation, server setup, custom theme design, submission workflow configuration, peer review round settings, user role assignment, and email template customisation for your journal's specific workflow.
Professional journal logo design, colour palette, typography system, journal website with author guidelines, editorial board page, submission instructions, and a mobile-responsive about the journal section that communicates credibility instantly.
Identification and recruitment of the editor-in-chief, associate editors, section editors, and an initial peer reviewer panel — with personalised outreach, acceptance tracking, and full OJS platform onboarding for all accepted board members.
DOAJ application preparation and submission, CrossRef membership and DOI registration setup, Google Scholar indexing, SHERPA/RoMEO open access policy registration, and a structured Scopus and PubMed Central eligibility roadmap for your journal's growth plan.
End-to-end production management of volume 1, issue 1 — manuscript copyediting, JATS XML tagging, galley proofing, OJS publication, CrossRef DOI assignment for each article, and a social media announcement campaign to mark the official journal launch.
Launching a journal is a complex, multi-stage project involving technical, editorial, legal, and strategic decisions. ManuscriptLab’s structured launch program handles every layer — so journal founders focus on science, not setup.
Our technical team has set up and configured OJS for 500+ journals — with deep expertise in custom themes, workflow automation, plugin configuration, and server-side optimisation specifically for academic publishing environments.
We don't just launch journals — we position them for long-term discoverability. Our indexing specialists manage DOAJ, CrossRef, Google Scholar, and SHERPA/RoMEO submissions, and guide journals toward Scopus and PubMed Central eligibility.
A proven, phase-by-phase launch program with weekly milestones, clear deliverables, and dedicated project management — so your journal reaches its first issue publication on a defined, realistic, and fully transparent timeline.
A structured, phase-by-phase setup process — from initial consultation and ISSN registration through OJS configuration, editorial board formation, indexing applications, and first issue publication on schedule.
We begin with a detailed consultation covering your journal's subject area, target audience, open access model, peer review type (single-blind, double-blind, or open), publication frequency, and long-term indexing goals — then prepare a customised launch plan and project timeline.
We handle the complete ISSN application for your print and online editions, draft your journal's aims & scope statement, author guidelines, COPE-aligned publication ethics policy, peer review policy, and open access licensing terms.
Full OJS 3.x installation and configuration — custom journal theme applied to your branding, submission forms built, peer review workflow configured, user roles assigned (editors, reviewers, authors), email templates customised, and logo and visual identity delivered.
We identify and recruit your editor-in-chief, associate editors, and initial peer reviewer panel from our expert network and academic databases — with personalised outreach, acceptance management, and full OJS account setup and role assignment for every board member.
We submit your journal to DOAJ, register with CrossRef for DOI assignment, set up Google Scholar indexing, register your open access policy on SHERPA/RoMEO, and prepare your Scopus and PubMed Central eligibility documentation and structured roadmap.
We manage the full production of volume 1, issue 1 — manuscript copyediting, JATS XML tagging, galley proofing, article upload and publication on OJS, CrossRef DOI assignment per article, and an academic network launch announcement campaign.
🎯 Fully managed: ManuscriptEdit manages every step of the launch program — you stay informed via weekly progress updates and a shared project dashboard, but the technical heavy-lifting is entirely ours.
Consultation, journal scoping, launch plan, partnership agreement setup
ISSN application, scope statement, ethics policy, author guidelines drafting
Platform install, custom theme, workflow configuration, email templates, logo design
Editor and reviewer recruitment, outreach management, OJS onboarding
DOAJ, CrossRef DOIs, Google Scholar, SHERPA/RoMEO registration
Production, JATS XML tagging, OJS publication, DOI assignment, launch
Journal Launch Setup is designed for first-time journal founders, academic institutions, professional societies, and publishers who need expert, end-to-end support to launch a peer-reviewed journal correctly from the very start.
Senior academics who want to found a new journal in their field but need technical, editorial, and strategic support to navigate OJS setup, ISSN registration, indexing requirements, and editorial board formation.
Academic institutions launching an institutional or faculty journal — needing a professional OJS setup, institutional branding, and editorial infrastructure that reflects the institution's academic credibility from launch.
Scientific and professional associations launching a society journal — requiring ISSN registration, editorial board formation, peer review workflow design, DOAJ application, and CrossRef setup from an experienced publishing team.
Publishing companies and academic publishing startups entering a new subject area or open access market — needing fast, reliable journal launch infrastructure with indexing strategy built in from day one.
Average Launch Timeline
Three structured plans for journals at different stages — from a basic OJS setup and ISSN registration to a fully managed end-to-end launch program with editorial board formation, branding, and first-issue production.
From first-time journal founders to established institutional publishers — here is what journal founders and editors-in-chief say about ManuscriptLab’s Journal Launch Setup service.
Join 500+ academic journals and publishers worldwide that trusted ManuscriptEdit to build their journal infrastructure — OJS setup, ISSN registration, editorial board formation, DOAJ listing, and first issue production — all in one structured program.
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