Fast-Track Publication: Top Open Access Journals with Quick Turnarounds
Every PhD scholar knows the paralyzing anxiety of the ticking clock. Your university requires two Scopus-indexed publications before you can submit your thesis. You submit your manuscript to a traditional Elsevier or Springer journal, and then... silence. Three months later, it is still "Under Review."
Traditional academic publishing is notoriously slow. But what if you don't have 12 months to wait? This is where Fast-Track Open Access (OA) Journals come in. These publishers have redesigned the peer-review process to prioritize speed without (ideally) compromising scientific rigor.
In this guide by InnovateUp Solutions, we will explore the best legitimate fast-track journals, how they achieve such speeds, and the financial realities of Article Processing Charges (APCs).
Table of Contents
1. The Rise of the Megajournal
To understand fast-track publishing, you must understand the "Megajournal" model. Traditional journals reject papers based on perceived impact (e.g., "Is this novel enough?"). Megajournals (like PLOS ONE or IEEE Access) reject papers ONLY based on scientific soundness. If your methodology is flawless and your data is real, they will publish it, even if the finding isn't groundbreaking.
Furthermore, these publishers use massive in-house editorial teams and advanced AI software to match your paper with reviewers instantly, cutting down administrative dead-time from weeks to hours.
2. Top 3 Fast-Track Publishers in 2026
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MDPI (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)
Based in Switzerland, MDPI is the king of speed. Their average turnaround time from submission to first decision is roughly 18 to 22 days. They publish highly respected journals like Sensors, Sustainability, and Applied Sciences. All are Q1 or Q2 in Scopus and heavily cited.
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Frontiers Media
Frontiers takes a collaborative approach to peer review. Instead of blind rejection, reviewers and authors interact in a real-time digital forum to improve the paper. Average time to acceptance is around 70 days, which is still incredibly fast compared to the industry standard.
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IEEE Access (For Tech & Engineering)
If you are an engineer or computer scientist, IEEE Access is the ultimate fast-track destination. It maintains the prestige of the IEEE brand but promises a binary peer-review decision (Accept or Reject—no "Revise and Resubmit" loops) within 4 to 6 weeks.
3. The Catch: Understanding APCs
If you want fast publication, you must be prepared to pay. Open Access journals do not charge readers to read the paper; they charge the author to publish it. This is called the Article Processing Charge (APC).
| Publisher / Journal | Average APC (2026 Estimate) | Average Decision Time |
|---|---|---|
| MDPI (e.g., Sustainability) | $2,000 - $2,600 | 3-4 Weeks |
| IEEE Access | $1,950 | 4-6 Weeks |
| PLOS ONE | $2,100 | 8-10 Weeks |
Pro Tip: If you are from a developing nation, always check the publisher's website for "APC Waivers." Many publishers offer 50% to 100% discounts based on your country's World Bank classification.
4. Hacks to Speed Up ANY Peer Review
Even if you don't submit to a Megajournal, you can accelerate the process:
Frequently Asked Questions
No, MDPI is not a predatory publisher; it is indexed in WoS and Scopus. However, due to its massive volume and speed, some traditional academics view it with skepticism. Always check with your specific university department to ensure they recognize MDPI publications for graduation requirements.
Conclusion
Fast-track publishing is a powerful tool for researchers facing strict deadlines. By choosing reputable OA publishers like IEEE Access or Frontiers, you can secure high-impact publications in a fraction of the traditional time.
