Academic publishing in the humanities often presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when researchers face high Article Processing Charges (APCs) to share their work open access. For PhD scholars, literature faculty, and applied linguists, paying thousands of dollars to make a paper accessible globally is rarely a viable option. To bridge this gap, Tholga Research Consulting continues The Journal Selection Guide series. Our mission is to highlight verified, zero-cost avenues that deliver high academic reach without financial barriers.  

Diamond Open Access (OA) platforms guarantee that authors publish for free and global readers access articles without paywalls. Rather than offering arbitrary recommendations, we organize our weekly insights around specific fields. Each featured venue is thoroughly reviewed for database indexation, impact metrics, and quartile standings.  

For Week 05, we present key Diamond Open Access venues in English Language & Literature (2026) – covering applied linguistics, TESOL, language testing, literary theory, cultural studies, and regional literature.  

Academics can also leverage index databases like DOAJ, Web of Science, or Scopus to refine their search for target venues that align with their manuscript scope and institutional standards. In this fifth series, we review thirteen Diamond Open Access journals in English studies, linguistics, and literature to consider for your 2026 submissions. 

Open Access Journals Without Payment (Diamond OA): English Language & Literature (2026) 

Below is a curated overview of indexed Diamond OA venues in English Language & Literature, including their indexing coverage and performance metrics: 1. International Journal of TESOL Studies 

• Focus Area: Linguistics, applied language studies, and TESOL pedagogy. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (ESCI). CiteScore: 2.7 | Quartile: Q1 | Impact Factor: 2.54. 2. Studies in Language Assessment 

• Focus Area: Language testing, assessment methodologies, and evaluation. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (ESCI). CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: N/A | Impact Factor: 0.67. 3. Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses 

• Focus Area: Literature, literary theory, cultural studies, and English linguistics. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (ESCI). CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: Q1 | Impact Factor: 0.41. 4. Multicultural Shakespeare 

• Focus Area: Shakespearean studies, theatre history, literary criticism, and intercultural reception. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (ESCI). CiteScore: 0.2 | Quartile: Q3 | Impact Factor: 0.25. 5. Complutense Journal of English Studies 

• Focus Area: English linguistics, British and American literature, and cultural analysis. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Web of Science (ESCI) [Scopus: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: N/A | Impact Factor: 0.3. 6. Journal of English Studies (Univ. of La Rioja) 

• Focus Area: Literature, literary theory, textual analysis, and English linguistics. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: 0.3 | Quartile: Q2 | Impact Factor: N/A. 7. TESOL in Context 

• Focus Area: TESOL practice, language education, and applied linguistics. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: 0.3 | Quartile: Q3 | Impact Factor: N/A. 8. Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies 

• Focus Area: English and American literature, cultural history, and literary theory. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: Q4 | Impact Factor: N/A. 9. American and British Studies Annual 

• Focus Area: Cultural studies, American literature, British history, and social analysis. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: Q4 | Impact Factor: N/A. 10. Iperstoria 

• Focus Area: English, American, and postcolonial studies, literary history, and cultural studies. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: Q3 | Impact Factor: N/A. 11. Études Écossaises 

• Focus Area: Scottish literature, cultural heritage, history, and linguistic traditions. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: N/A | Impact Factor: N/A. 12. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network 

• Focus Area: Language education, second language acquisition, and applied linguistics. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: N/A | Impact Factor: N/A. 13. MEXTESOL Journal 

• Focus Area: English Language Teaching (ELT), classroom practice, and teacher education. 

• Indexing and Metrics: Indexed in Scopus [Web of Science: No]. CiteScore: N/A | Quartile: N/A | Impact Factor: N/A. 

Understanding the Practical Differences 

A publication fee of zero dollars is an excellent starting point, but authors must weigh several parameters before submitting their research: 

• Dual-Indexed High Performing Venues: Outlets indexed in both Scopus and Web of Science (ESCI)—such as International Journal of TESOL Studies (Q1, IF 2.54) and Revista Alicantina de Estudios Ingleses (Q1)—provide top-tier visibility for applied linguistics and literary theory. 

• Specialized Pedagogy & Assessment: Journals like Studies in Language Assessment and TESOL in Context cater directly to niche research in language testing, teaching methodologies, and classroom practice. 

• Niche & Regional Literary Focus: Dedicated publications such as Multicultural Shakespeare, Études Écossaises, and Iperstoria offer targeted platforms for specialized research in cultural studies, specific literary traditions, and historical analysis. 

• Broad English & American Studies: Venues like Hungarian Journal of English and American Studies and American and British Studies Annual give scholars valuable options for interdisciplinary humanities research. Finding the optimal target venue means balancing your paper’s core methodology with the editorial focus and indexation metrics of the journal. 

What Scholars Should Check Before Submitting 

1. Verify Live Indexation: Journal indexing is dynamic. Always confirm that the target venue maintains an active status on the Web of Science Master Journal List or Scopus Sources portal prior to submitting. 
2. Review Scope and Style Guidelines: Ensure your manuscript’s focus and citation format align strictly with the journal’s recent publications. Desktop rejections frequently stem from poor scope fit rather than paper quality. 
3. Assess Quartiles and Citation Metrics: Balance metrics like CiteScore, Impact Factor, and Quartile rankings with your own target audience and career progression goals. 
4. Examine Recent Back Issues: Browse recent table of contents to see the themes, methodologies, and argumentative styles the editorial board favors.
5. Check Editorial Timelines: Look at published paper timelines (submission date to acceptance date) to understand realistic peer review turnaround times.

Final Thoughts 

Opting for Diamond Open Access ensures your scholarly contributions remain visible, cited, and impactful across the global academic community without incurring APC fees. However, zero publication costs should never be the single deciding factor. Always cross-check indexation, evaluate editorial standards, and plan your submission strategy carefully.  

At Tholga Research Consulting, we guide researchers through journal shortlisting, manuscript refinement, and disciplined writing systems. Have you considered submitting to any of these Diamond OA journals? Share your experiences in the comments below or reach out to our team directly at vanakkam@tholga.com. 

Disclaimer: 

1. Tholga is not affiliated with any of these journals, nor does it receive any remuneration from the listed publications. This initiative aims solely to share factual information about indexed diamond open access venues for researchers.

2. Authors are advised to verify indexing status, impact metrics, and submission guidelines directly on Scopus, Web of Science, or the official journal homepages before submitting.