My Journey into Open Access Publishing: A Dream Turned Reality
By Femi Adetola
You know, when I was growing up in Nigeria, I often thought about the power of knowledge. It was clear to me that information could change lives, just like a good bowl of efo riro can bring people together. But, there was always a barrier—access. Many people, especially in underrepresented communities, struggle to get their hands on quality research and articles. That’s when it hit me: what if I could bridge that gap? That’s how I embarked on the journey to start my own open access publishing company.
The Spark of Inspiration
Picture this: I was sitting in a crowded café in Lagos, surrounded by students furiously typing away on their laptops, all trying to access the same online journals. It was like a scene from a movie, and I was struck by a thought—what if I could help these bright minds? The seed was planted.
After some late-night brainstorming sessions with friends over jollof rice and chilled drinks, I decided that I would create a platform that made academic research freely available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. It was a bold dream, but I was all in.
The Early Days: Struggles and Lessons
Starting the company was no walk in the park, my friend. In fact, it felt more like trying to navigate through a thick bush without a cutlass. I had to learn everything from the ground up: copyright laws, editorial processes, and the nitty-gritty of academic publishing. You see, I didn’t have a degree in publishing or a rich uncle to fund my dreams. It was just me, my laptop, and a heart full of passion.
The first challenge was building a network of authors and reviewers. I reached out to scholars through social media, academic forums, and even attended conferences—talk about hustle! Those early rejections stung, but I learned that persistence is key. I remember one professor telling me, “Young man, if you believe in what you’re doing, keep pushing.” Those words became my mantra.
Building the Platform
After months of hard work, countless sleepless nights, and a lot of trial and error, we finally launched our platform. I remember the excitement! It felt like I had just made the best pot of egusi soup. But let’s be real; we weren't ready for the flood of submissions that came pouring in. I had to gather a team of dedicated editors and reviewers—people who shared my passion for open access.
We had our fair share of drama too. There was a time when one of our editors accidentally sent out an acceptance email to an author whose paper hadn’t even been reviewed. You can imagine the panic! But instead of falling apart, we rallied together, learned from our mistakes, and improved our processes.
A Global Impact
As time went on, we started to see the fruits of our labor. Authors from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and even beyond began publishing their work with us. It was amazing to watch young researchers, who once felt unheard, finally get a platform to share their findings with the world. It felt good, like winning a local football match with your friends.
We also began to create partnerships with universities and institutions. They recognized the importance of disseminating knowledge freely, and we became a hub for innovative research. Our articles began to attract attention globally. It was surreal to see our work cited in international journals and discussions.
Challenges Still Linger
Let's be honest; the journey hasn't been easy. There are challenges that persist. Funding is always a concern. We rely heavily on grants and donations, and sometimes it feels like we're running a marathon without knowing where the finish line is. Yet, every time I receive an email from a researcher thanking us for giving them a voice, it reignites my passion.
Moreover, we still grapple with the stigma that open access is less credible. I’ve had conversations where people raised eyebrows, doubting the quality of our publications. But I stand firm, reminding them that knowledge should not be locked behind paywalls.
Community and Growth
As our platform grew, so did our community. I started an online forum where authors could discuss their experiences and give feedback on their publishing journey. This space became a lifeline for many, a place to share struggles, celebrate successes, and form connections. It felt like creating a family, and that’s what made the hard work worthwhile.
With each passing year, we’ve expanded our services. We introduced workshops for emerging researchers, helping them improve their writing skills and understand the publishing process better. Seeing someone go from a novice to a published author is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had.
The Future Ahead
Today, I can proudly say that our publishing company has gone global. We’ve published articles that span various fields, from science to arts and humanities. Each paper carries a piece of the authors' passion, and every publication contributes to the vast pool of knowledge.
Looking back, I realize that this journey has taught me more than just the technicalities of publishing. It’s shown me the power of community, the importance of resilience, and the incredible impact that accessible information can have.
So, what’s next? I dream of establishing a scholarship fund to support budding researchers in Nigeria and beyond. There’s still so much work to be done, but I am optimistic.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re reading this and have a dream—whether it’s in publishing, tech, or something else entirely—don’t let fear hold you back. Start small, learn from your mistakes, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!