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Research

Selecting a journal

Selecting a journal to publish in is a very important process. Publishing in an inappropriate journal can have negative consequences for the reach and impact of your research, and for your reputation.

In selecting a journal there are a variety of aspects to consider:

  • Is the journal suitable for your intended audience?
  • What is the reputation of the journal?
  • Is the journal published by a reputable publisher or from a predatory publisher? (see below)
  • Does the editorial team contain renowned experts verifiable in the field?
  • Where is the journal indexed?
  • Is the peer review process transparent and robust?
  • What is the journal policy around authors' rights?
  • Does the journal offer open access publishing options?
  • Is there any embargo on the open access options? (see below)

 

There are a variety of tools available to assist you in identifying and selecting a suitable journal to publish in.

A selection of these tools is provided below:

Why publish open access?

An increasing number of journals provide open access publication of articles with no article publishing fees.

These can be identified via the Directory of Open Access Journal

Further resources to navigate open access options and select a journal:

How to avoid predatory publishers

Predatory publishers exploit the open-access model by creating counterfeit journals, where authors pay for publication. Although charging fees is a legitimate business practice, it's crucial for publishers to provide quality publishing services in return. Predatory publishers lack transparency and aim to deceive researchers, particularly those who are inexperienced in scholarly communication.

The Think. Check. Submit. website is designed to guide journal authors in the selection of reputable publishers and journals. This site offers a range of tools and resources aimed at promoting integrity, trust, and education in research and publications. Watch the short video below for a step-by-step guide on selecting a reliable publisher for your work submission, or follow the link to the Think. Check. Submit. website for further information.