Emerald Publishing — Joining Wiley Frequently Asked Questions

2nd June 2026

Emerald Publishing has been acquired by Wiley. Below you'll find answers to questions you may have — whether you're a researcher, author, editor, librarian, or publishing partner.

About the Acquisition

What has been announced?

Emerald Publishing has been acquired by Wiley, one of the world's leading research publishers with more than 200 years at the centre of the scholarly ecosystem. The acquisition brings Emerald into a larger, global organisation with best-in-class platforms, an expanded global footprint, and the resources to drive even greater impact for the research communities we serve.

Who is Wiley?

Wiley (NYSE: WLY) is a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence. With more than 200 years at the centre of the scholarly ecosystem, Wiley combines trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and applied — from individual researchers and students to Fortune 500 R&D teams. Joining Wiley gives Emerald access to that global platform and reach.

Why has Emerald joined Wiley?

Wiley is the right home for Emerald and the global communities we serve. Joining Wiley gives us access to best-in-class platforms, a global footprint, and reach into academic and corporate markets that will help us deliver even more for the researchers and institutions we have been proud to support for more than 55 years. Wiley shares Emerald's deep commitment to the social sciences and to publishing applied research that makes a genuine difference— which is at the heart of why this combination makes sense.

When did the acquisition take effect?

The acquisition was announced on 2 June 2026. You can read the full announcement here.

Will Emerald continue to operate as Emerald Publishing?

Wiley and Emerald journal portfolios are being maintained separately, and Emerald authors and customers will continue to publish under Emerald's existing publishing policies, including OA policies.

For Researchers and Authors

Does this affect my published work?

No. All your published articles and book chapters with Emerald remain fully available and completely unaffected. Nothing changes about how your work can be found, read, or cited.

What about my author rights and agreements?

Your author rights and any existing agreements with Emerald remain fully in place. There is no change to your licensing terms or copyright arrangements.

I have a journal article, case study or book manuscript under review or in production. Will it be affected?

No. Any work currently under review or in production continues its existing timeline without disruption. The editorial team handling your work remains in place.

Will the journals I publish in change — their scope, editorial team, editorial advisory board, or peer review process?

No changes are planned to journal scope, editorial teams, editorial advisory boards, or peer review processes because of this acquisition. Emerald's commitment to rigorous peer review, open research, and advancing knowledge is central to why Wiley wanted to acquire Emerald — and that commitment does not change.

Will my research have greater reach and impact?

Over time, yes. Joining Wiley gives Emerald access to a larger global platform, greater reach into academic and corporate markets, and more powerful tools — all of which will ultimately mean greater reach and impact for the research we publish. A broader readership, stronger discoverability, and a publisher even better resourced to amplify your work across communities worldwide.

For Journal and Book Editors

Does this acquisition affect my editorial role or agreement?

No. Your editorial agreement and your responsibilities as a journal or book editor remain unchanged. Your editorial advisory board, submission workflows, peer review processes, and publication schedules all continue without interruption.

Who do I contact for editorial matters going forward?

Your existing Emerald publishing contact remains your first point of call for all editorial matters. Day-to-day operations are unaffected, and you will be kept informed of any changes relevant to you as soon as is possible.

Will my journal's mission or focus change?

No. The editorial direction and focus of your journal remains entirely in place. Emerald's mission-led approach to social sciences, engineering and other applied fields — tackling real societal challenges and advancing knowledge aligned with the UN SDGs — is precisely what made Emerald an attractive partner for Wiley, and that does not change.

As an Emerald editor, can I still trust the independence of my journal?

Absolutely. Editorial independence is fundamental to the integrity of all academic publishing, and both Emerald and Wiley are committed to protecting it. Editorial decisions remain with you and your editorial board.

For Institutions and Librarians

Do our current Emerald subscriptions and agreements change?

No. All existing subscriptions and agreements with Emerald remain fully in place. There is no disruption to access or service for your institution.

Will we still have access to all Emerald content?

Yes. Access to all Emerald content continues uninterrupted across all existing platforms and channels, whether a currently active subscription or historic perpetual access purchases. Services for accessing COUNTER, KBART and MARC continue as is. Nothing changes for your institution's researchers at this stage.

What does the combined Wiley and Emerald portfolio look like?

Together, Wiley and Emerald publish approximately 2,500 journal titles, spanning:

  • Economics, business and finance, management, accounting, psychology, environmental science, public policy, and library science — combining Emerald's and Wiley’s areas of deep strength
  • Life, health and physical sciences— Wiley's established leadership beyond the social sciences

This creates one of the most comprehensive scholarly publishing collections available to research institutions, with particular depth across the social sciences. The Emerald and the Wiley portfolios remain available for purchase separately.

Who should we contact for questions about our Emerald agreements?

Your existing Emerald contact remains your point of call. We are committed to continuity of service and clear communication throughout the integration process.

For Publishing Partners / Emerald Publishing Services Customers

Does this acquisition affect our publishing agreement with Emerald?

No. Your publishing agreement with Emerald remains fully in place. Your editorial team, editorial advisory board, contacts, and day-to-day processes are all unaffected. We will keep you closely informed as integration progresses, and well in advance of any changes that may affect you. All your contractual services remain active and your key contacts at Emerald will remain the same.

We have a long-standing relationship with Emerald. Can we trust that this will be respected?

Yes. Emerald's relationships with its partners have been built over many years on trust, editorial integrity, and shared values. Joining Wiley does not change that. Wiley understands and respects the trust Emerald has built with you, and we are committed to earning that same trust.

Agents

Will there be changes to my key contacts or contractual arrangements with Emerald?

No, your key contacts at Emerald remain in place and will continue to support you in your work. All existing Emerald agreements remain in place and you continue as representatives of Emerald content.

Integration and What's Next

Will there be a single platform for Emerald and Wiley content?

Integration planning is underway and we will share updates on platforms and access as decisions are confirmed. Our overriding priority is continuity: no disruption to content access, workflows, or service during the transition.

When will we hear more?

We are committed to proactive, transparent communication throughout the integration process. Your Emerald contact will keep you informed of any developments relevant to your specific relationship.

Who can I contact if I have a question not answered here?

Please reach out to your usual Emerald contact — they are your first point of call and will direct any questions that need further escalation. We are committed to making sure every question receives a clear, timely answer.