Automated Journal Production System (Word → PDF, HTML, JATS XML) for OJS Journals

We are a scholarly journal publisher managing multiple journals using Open Journal Systems (OJS). We want to build a centralized production workflow that automatically converts accepted manuscripts (Microsoft Word format) into publication-ready formats including:

* PDF (journal layout)
* HTML article
* JATS XML
* EPUB (optional)

The goal is to reduce manual typesetting work and streamline the publishing workflow.

**Scope of Work**

The freelancer will design and implement a server-based automated production pipeline with the following functionality:

1. **Input**
Accepted manuscripts uploaded in Microsoft Word (.docx).

2. **Automated Conversion**
The system should automatically convert manuscripts to:

* PDF (using journal template)
* HTML article
* JATS XML (for indexing and archiving)
* EPUB (optional)

Preferred technologies:

* Pandoc
* JATS XML
* Python or Bash automation scripts
* LaTeX template or Word template
* Apache FOP (optional)

3. **Server Automation**
A production server that:

* Watches an input folder for new manuscripts
* Automatically processes them
* Generates output files in separate directories

Example structure:

```
input/
accepted_manuscripts/

output/
pdf/
html/
xml/
epub/
```

4. **OJS Compatibility**

The output should be compatible with:

* Open Journal Systems (OJS)
* JATS Parser plugin
* HTML galley display
* PDF galley display

5. **Journal Layout Template**

Implement a professional PDF layout including:

* Two-column article body
* DOI display
* Article history section (Received / Revised / Accepted)
* Abstract and keywords
* Figures and tables
* References
* Copyright statement on the final page

6. **Automation**

The system should include:

* automated script (Python or Bash)
* scheduled job (cron or equivalent)
* easy instructions for editors

Editors should only need to place the Word file in a folder.

7. **Optional Enhancement**

If possible:

* integrate with OJS API
* web dashboard for uploading manuscripts

**Deliverables**

* Fully working conversion pipeline
* Source code and scripts
* Installation instructions
* Documentation for editorial staff
* Example conversion test

**Preferred Skills**

* Pandoc
* XML / JATS XML
* Python or Bash scripting
* Open Journal Systems (OJS)
* LaTeX typesetting
* scholarly publishing workflows

**Project Budget**

Open to proposals (suggested range: $300–$800 depending on experience).

**Timeline**

Estimated completion: 2–3 weeks.

**Additional Notes**

Experience with scholarly publishing platforms or academic journal production workflows is strongly preferred.