Choosing a Journal for Your Research: A Guide

By Gareth Dyke, PhD and Adam Goulston, PsyD, MBA, ELS

Choosing the right journal can change your life. The problem is, no one told you how to do it. Selecting a journal for your research is one of the most important decisions researchers like you make, if not the most.

Our experience as researchers and editors has taught us a lot about this process. So here, we’ll share our insights on the importance of selecting the right journal for your research.

And you can probably start the process:

RIGHT NOW

Before you even start writing

Starting your search early is vital for ensuring a successful submission process. Yet so few researchers do this. They finish a paper and then think: Which journal?

Then they have to go back, reformat, revise, rewrite, etc. That’s inefficient and unnecessary.

So, why is choosing a journal so very important?

The right journal maximizes research impact and ramps up your career

Research impact: Choosing the right journal will increase the visibility of your research. A well-chosen journal will both reach your intended audience of specialists and a wider audience of others who may be interested. This means your research can influence policy, practice, and future research directions.

In disseminating your findings through a good journal (which will promote your work and increase citations), you contribute to the academic community and expand the overall impact of your work in real-world applications, including benefits for society.
Career advancement: Publishing in reputable journals with high impact factors and Scopus Q1 and Q2 listings can greatly raise your academic profile, making you more attractive for future opportunities and giving you a competitive edge in your field.

More colleagues and other people will read your work, so speaking engagements, collaborations, and funding opportunities increase when you choose and successfully publish in a well-matched journal.
Networking: The right journal can connect you with other researchers in your field, opening doors for collaboration. Collaborations are vital for future success.

Challenges in choosing a journal

Overwhelming choices: With 24,000+ journals indexed in Web of Science and an estimated 33,000 to 34,000 journals worldwide, finding the right fit for your work can be challenging. At least 5.1 million scholarly articles were published in 2023, creating a vast and complex academic publishing landscape. It’s overwhelming, isn’t it?
Quality concerns: Not all journals are created equal. You need to know journal reputations to avoid predatory publishers and publications that may damage your credibility and reputation in the academic community, potentially leading to long-lasting negative consequences for your professional standing and future opportunities.
Changing guidelines: Journals frequently update their submission guidelines, which makes it essential for authors and researchers to stay well-informed about their specific requirements and any changes that may occur over time.

Are you up for the challenge? The good news is there are many tools out there to help you, in addition to this article. Read on, challenger.

Understanding the publication landscape

Different types of journals

If you want to publish your research, you should know what journals and which ones are available to you based on your location and funding.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Traditional journals: These require a subscription or other payment to access articles. They nearly always have a more established reputation, but they can also limit who sees your research. Prestigious journals like Nature and The New England Journal of Medicine are renowned for their rigorous peer review processes and high impact factors, but access to their articles often comes at a significant cost. In fact, studies show that nearly 40% of researchers believe that subscription barriers hinder the dissemination of important findings.
Open access journals: These journals allow anyone to read your work for free. Almost 50% of scholarly articles are now open access in some form, which is great for reaching a wider audience.
General vs. specialized: General journals cover many topics, while specialized journals focus on specific fields. Scientific Reports publishes research across a wide range of scientific disciplines, so it can be good for studies with broad applicability. However, The Journal of Chemical Physics specializes in chemical physics and related areas, providing a platform specifically for researchers in that niche.
Regional vs. international: Regional journals may focus on local issues, while international journals have a broader scope. Think about where your research fits best. For example, the African Journal of Agricultural Research focuses on agricultural issues specific to Africa, so it’s an excellent forum for studies related to Africa and in that area of science. Global Environmental Change is an international journal publishing research on global environmental issues, suitable for studies with wider geographical implications.

Impact factor and other journal metrics

Understanding journal metrics is crucial for your publication’s success. Here are some key metrics:

Impact factor: Measures how often articles in a journal are cited, reflecting the frequency of the average article in that journal being cited in a particular year. A journal with a higher impact factor may be more important because other researchers and professionals in the field are more likely to read the research it published. This awareness helps to spread important findings and knowledge. Impact factor is calculated by dividing the number of citations in the current year to articles published in the previous 2 years by the total number of articles published in those 2 years.
For example, a journal’s 2023 impact factor would be based on citations in 2023 to articles published in 2021 and 2022.
SCImago Journal Rank (SJR): A metric similar to the traditional impact factor, yet it goes a step further by considering not only the number of citations a journal receives but also the prestige and influence of the journals citing it. This means the SJR provides a more nuanced and comprehensive view of a journal’s impact within the academic community, reflecting the citations’ quality rather than just their quantity.
CiteScore: Another citation metric that looks at the average citations per document.
SNIP: This metric adjusts for differences in citation practices between disciplines.

While these metrics can help you gauge a journal’s reputation, they have limitations. They may not fully reflect your work’s quality or its relevance to your field.

Traditional/gated, open access, and hybrid journals

Open access publishing continues to grow in popularity. As does hybrid. Here’s what you need to know:

Traditional/gated journals: This is the standard model. These journals require a subscription or payment for access to their content. For example, elite journals like Nature and The New England Journal of Medicine charge fees for individuals and institutions to access their articles. These fees can often be quite expensive, sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars per article and thousands per issue, with subscription models targeted at institutions with big budgets.
Open access academic journals: Your article is freely available to everyone, allowing researchers, students, and the general public to access cutting-edge research without any financial barriers.

For example, journals like PLOS ONE and those from BioMed Central provide a platform where authors can publish their findings, ensuring that their work reaches a global audience. This model empowers research libraries and institutions to provide unlimited open access publishing opportunities, enabling them to support a wider range of scholarly communication and collaboration.
⭐️ Go here to understand green, gold, and the rest of the colorful array of open access publishing options.
Hybrid journals: These journals offer both open access and subscription-based articles. For example, a researcher might choose to pay for their article to be open access, allowing anyone to read it without a subscription, while other articles in the same journal remain behind a paywall, accessible only to subscribers. Annals of Oncology and Research Policy are a couple of journals with this option.

Avoiding predatory publishing

Be aware of predatory publishers, which are entities that exploit the academic publishing system by charging authors fees without providing the editorial and publishing services that legitimate publishers offer.

These publishers often lack proper peer review processes and may misrepresent their impact factors, leading to low-quality or fraudulent research disseminated.

We’ll get into tips for identifying and avoiding these later.

Choosing a journal: Key considerations

In choosing a journal, keep several key factors in mind to ensure that your research gets the attention it deserves.

Select a target journal early in the research process

Start early: It’s best to think about your journal choice before you even begin writing. This helps you tailor your research to fit the journal’s focus.
Research the journal: Look into the journal’s aims and scope to see if your work aligns with what they publish.
Check the audience: Make sure the journal’s readership matches the people you want to reach with your research.

Ensure the journal publishes the intended article type

Know your article type: Different journals accept different types of articles (original research, review, case report, protocol, etc.). Confirm that your work fits the journal’s requirements.
Review submission guidelines: Each journal has specific rules about what it accepts. Read these carefully to avoid wasting time and money.

Identify the journal’s readership and its alignment with your target audience

Understand the audience: Knowing who reads the journal can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your research.
Engage with the community: If you or your colleagues are familiar with the journal, it can be a good sign of its relevance and quality.

Journal scope: Review the journal’s aims and scope for fit

Scope matters: Make sure the journal’s focus matches your research topic. This increases the chances of acceptance.
Look for similar articles: Check if articles similar to yours have been published in the journal before.

Journal reputation: Assess the journal’s standing in the academic community

Reputation counts: A journal’s reputation can impact how your work is perceived. Look for journals with a strong editorial board and a solid peer review process.
Check indexing: Ensure the journal is indexed in reputable databases, as this can affect your work’s visibility.

Keep these considerations in mind so you can make a more informed decision when selecting the right journal for your research. This will not only help you avoid common pitfalls but also enhance the impact of your work in the academic community.

Other factors

Publication speed: Average turnaround time from submission to publication

Consider how quickly a journal publishes articles.

Average turnaround time: Look for journals that provide information on how long it usually takes from submission to publication.
Urgency of your research: If your research is time-sensitive, you may want to prioritize journals known for faster publication.
Communication: Check if the journal keeps authors updated on the status of their submissions.

Open access options and costs: Considering open access policies and APCs

Open access journals allow anyone to read your work for free, but they often charge fees.

Article processing charges (APCs): Some journals require you to pay a fee to publish your article openly. Make sure you know these costs upfront.
Funding availability: Check if your institution or funding body covers these fees.
Visibility: Open access can increase the visibility of your research, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Predatory publications: Identifying and avoiding them

Be cautious of journals that may not have your best interests in mind. Here are some tips to avoid predatory journals:

Check the journal’s credentials: Look for signs of legitimacy, such as a clear editorial board and a peer review process.
Research their reputation: Use resources like Think. Check. Submit. to assess the journal’s credibility.
Impact factor meaning: A high impact factor can indicate a reputable journal, but be wary of journals that inflate their metrics.

Author rights and licensing

Before submitting, make sure you know your rights as an author:

Copyright: Know who owns the rights to your work after publication.
Licensing options: Look for journals that offer flexible licensing, allowing you to share your work under certain conditions.
Data sharing policies: Check if the journal supports sharing your data, which can enhance the transparency and reproducibility of your research.

choosing the right journal for your research

Unbiased journal selection tools and resources

Several unbiased tools and resources can help you make an informed decision on which scholarly journal you’ll aim to publish in. This is just a selection of them and new ones are emerging.

Think. Check. Submit.

This tool provides a simple checklist to help you evaluate whether a journal is trustworthy. It guides you through key questions to consider, such as:

Is the journal clear about its aims and scope?
Does it have a proper peer review process?
Are the editorial board members recognized in their fields?

Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

The DOAJ is a comprehensive directory that lists high-quality open access journals. It ensures that the journals included meet specific standards, making it easier for you to find reliable options for publishing your work.

JournalGuide

This tool helps you find the right journal for your manuscript by allowing you to input your article’s title and abstract. It then suggests journals that match your research topic, making the selection process smoother.

Edanz Journal Selector

Similar to JournalGuide, the Edanz Journal Selector helps you identify suitable journals based on your research. It provides insights into each journal’s audience and impact, helping you make a more informed choice. It’s also available in Japanese, owing to the company’s roots in Japan.

Using these tools can be the added α (alpha) in your research topic selection process, guiding you from the initial stages of finding a journal to the final decision. Remember, the right journal can make a big difference in how your work is received and its overall impact on your career!

Publisher-specific journal selection tools

Publisher-specific journal selection can be helpful if you’re interested in the publisher, and to open your eyes to the range of journals on offer, including some you might not have thought of.

These tools match your work with the most suitable journals based on various factors. Here are some of the bigger ones. Clearly, not a lot of work goes in the branding or design, but they get the job done:

Using these tools can save you time and help you avoid predatory publishers. They provide academic journal tools that streamline the selection process, ensuring you make informed choices.

AI-powered journal selection tools

AI journal finders are rapidly emerging and evolving. These tools leverage artificial intelligence to help you identify the most suitable journals for your work, saving you time and effort in the selection process. Here are some notable AI-powered journal selection tools:

Jane (Journal Author Name Estimator)

Jane is a user-friendly tool that helps you find journals based on your article’s title or abstract. It provides a list of journals that have published similar research, making it easier for you to target the right audience.

Ubiquity’s Journal Matcher

Ubiquity’s AI tool focuses on saving researchers time and effort in journal selection, introducing new and relevant journals you might not have considered before.

Penelope

Penelope.ai fills a unique niche in that, while not a journal selector, it uses AI to help make sure your manuscript matches journal requirements.

These tools streamline the journal selection process and raise your chances of getting published in the right venue. Use these AI-powered resources to make informed decisions that align with your research goals and audience.

Other journal selection resources

When it comes to finding the right journal for your research, there are several valuable resources you can tap into. Here are some key tools and platforms that can help you in your journal selection guide journey:

Web of Science and Scopus

These are two of the most widely used databases for academic research. They provide access to a vast number of journals and articles, allowing you to:

Search for journals by subject area.
Check journal metrics like impact factor.
Find out if a journal is indexed in these databases.

Ulrichsweb

Ulrichsweb is a comprehensive directory of journals designed for librarians and their patrons. It helps you:

Identify whether a journal is open access or subscription-based
See if a journal is peer-reviewed
Access information about the journal’s publisher and frequency of publication

Colleagues, mentors, and librarians

Don’t underestimate the power of personal connections! Talking to:

Your colleagues can provide insights into their experiences with different journals.
Mentors can guide you based on their expertise and knowledge of the field.
Librarians can assist you in navigating databases and finding the best journals for research.

Using these resources can build your understanding of the publication landscape and help you make informed decisions about where to submit your work.

Presubmission inquiries: Testing the waters

Before you send your research article submission to a journal, a presubmission inquiry is a great way to get ahead of the process and gauge interest in your study.

This step can help you understand if your work aligns with the journal’s focus and if the editors are interested in your topic. Keep these points in mind:

Brief summary: Your inquiry should include a short overview of your proposed topic. This helps the editor quickly grasp what your research is about.
Journal fit: Make sure the journal you are contacting is a suitable match for your work. Consider journals you and your colleagues read or previously published in.
Peer review process: Understanding the journal’s peer review process can also guide your decision. Some journals have a more rigorous review than others, which can affect your publication timeline.

Write an effective presubmission inquiry

When crafting your presubmission inquiry, include the following elements:

Manuscript title: Clearly state the title you are considering.
Research question: Briefly explain the main question your research addresses.
Significance: Highlight why your research is important and what gap it fills in the existing literature.
Methodology: Provide a short description of how you conducted your research.
Target journal: Mention the journal you are considering for submission.

Sample presubmission inquiry letter

Here’s a simple template you can use for your presubmission inquiry:

[Date]

[Editor’s name]
[Editor’s title]
[Journal name in italics]

Dear [Dr. or Prof. + editor’s last name],

I am writing to inquire about the suitability of my manuscript titled “[Title of Your Manuscript]” for publication in [Journal name].

This research addresses [briefly state your research question] and aims to [explain the significance of your work]. We employed [briefly describe your methodology].

This work aligns well with the journal’s focus on [mention the journal’s focus]. I would appreciate your feedback on my manuscript’s suitability for your journal.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your name and degrees (e.g., MS, MPH, PhD]

[Your contact information]

This approach opens the doors of communication with journal editors and increases your chances of a successful submission.

The MacroLingo Journal Selection Checklist ☑️

Use this checklist to evaluate potential journals for your academic publication. Follow the steps and mark each box as you review the journal’s features.

Journal reputation and quality indicators

☐ Reputation: Verify that the journal is well-regarded in your field. Check its impact factor and metrics such as reader statistics or citations.
☐ Editorial board: Review the journal’s editorial board. Are the editors respected in your area of research? Check their credentials and affiliations.
☐ Peer review process: Confirm that the journal uses a robust peer review system to ensure quality control and academic rigor.

Alignment with article type, target audience, and research scope

☐ Article type: Does the journal accept the type of article you’re submitting (e.g., original research, review, case report)?
☐ Target audience: Identify whether the journal’s audience aligns with your intended readers. Is it reaching researchers in your field?
☐ Research scope: Check the journal’s aims and scope. Ensure your research topic fits their publication focus.

Publication speed, open access options, and costs

☐ Publication speed: Look at the journal’s average turnaround time for reviews and publication. Does it fit your timeline?
☐ Open access options: Decide if you want your article freely available. Check the journal’s open access policies and associated fees.
☐ Costs: Be aware of any article processing charges (APCs) or submission fees. Confirm that they fit your budget or funding.

Author rights and licensing agreements

☐ Copyright: Understand the journal’s copyright terms. Will you retain ownership of your work, or will you need to transfer rights?
☐ Licensing: Review the licensing agreements. Does the journal use Creative Commons or similar licenses, and how might that affect your work?

Additional factors

☐ Special issues: See if the journal offers special issues on topics related to your research. This can boost your work’s visibility.
☐ Online visibility: Evaluate the journal’s digital presence. Does it have strong indexing in databases like PubMed, Scopus, or Web of Science?
☐ Social media: Check if the journal promotes articles through social media platforms or email newsletters, which can enhance your article’s reach.

Use the guide, checklist, and think about your future

As you wrap up your journey through this guide, remember that choosing the right journal is not just a task; it’s a crucial step in your research career. Use the checklist provided to ensure that you make informed decisions that will benefit your work and future. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Start early: Don’t wait until your manuscript is ready to consider where to submit it. The earlier you choose a journal, the better you can tailor your research to fit its scope.
Stay informed: The publication landscape is always changing. Keep up with trends and updates in your field to make sure you’re targeting the right journals.
Seek feedback: Before submitting, consider asking colleagues or mentors for their insights. They can provide valuable perspectives that you might not have considered.

Your choice of journal can greatly affect your research’s visibility and your career trajectory. Follow this guide and use the checklist to confidently navigate the publication cycle.

The right journal can maximize your research impact and open doors for future opportunities. So, take your time, do your research, and make a choice that aligns with your goals. Your future in research depends on it!

Take advantage of the guide and checklist. They’re designed to help you think about your future and make informed decisions. And go here for MacroLingo resources and support to help you on your journey.