Abstract
The ongoing transformation of scholarly publishing has created new challenges for authors, reviewers, and editors in deciding which journals to engage with. As Editors in Chief of AGU Publications, we meet annually to reflect on the evolving editorial landscape, consider opportunities for improvement, and reach consensus on policies, priorities and responsibilities guiding AGU Publications. Here, we argue that publishing with AGU goes beyond the paper. It advances a set of shared, interconnected scientific purposes grounded in community stewardship, editorial independence, rigorous peer review, openness, equity, global participation, and long-term scientific impact. As a not-for-profit global scientific society, AGU publication revenues are reinvested in science, education, professional development, and community engagement. Choosing where to publish is ultimately a choice about the scientific values, institutions, and communities we seek to sustain.