Do not submit randomly; read the journal’s aims and scope

Dear Esteemed Researchers,

This edition of the Editor's Eye newsletter intends to address the prevalent issue of desk rejections caused by out-of-scope submissions, which waste precious resources and time for authors and journal editorial teams. Many researchers invest considerable effort into preparing their manuscripts and submitting them randomly without reading journal guidelines, which face direct rejection because their work is not aligned with the journal's focus. This delays the publication process for authors and burdens editorial teams who must manage and process these unsuitable submissions. Submitting manuscripts randomly to journals without assessing their aims and scope not only diminishes your chances of publication but also undermines the credibility of your research.?

The author shall always read the ‘About’ section and the ‘Author Guidelines’ of the journal carefully before initiating the submission.

By providing quick guidance on choosing the right journal, I aim to help researchers make informed decisions, ensuring their work reaches the appropriate audience and has a higher chance of acceptance. This proactive approach can significantly enhance the efficiency of the publication process, benefiting the entire academic community. Therefore, it is advisable for authors to thoroughly evaluate whether a journal is a good fit for their work before submitting it to maximize the impact and reach of their research. Here are a few basic criteria to decide whether a journal is a good fit for submission or not-

1. Understanding the Aims & Scope

It is essential to understand the aims and scope of the journal, Aims & Scope refers to the subjects and topics a journal covers. Carefully review these sections on the journal’s website to ensure your research aligns with their focus. Reading the aims and scope of a journal carefully is crucial because it ensures that your research aligns with the journal's focus, increasing the likelihood of acceptance and preventing unnecessary rejections.

To read the aims & scope (or focus) of a journal, visit the journal’s homepage and locate the ‘About’ (or About this Journal) section.

2. Look for the Authorship Criteria

Evaluating the authorship criteria is important as few journals do not allow authors below Ph.D. level students. Usually, this information can be found within the ‘About’ section or in the ‘Author Guidelines’ of the journal.

This involves understanding the requirements and guidelines the journal sets for authors, including the contributions necessary for someone to qualify as an author. This step ensures that all contributors meet the journal's standards and helps avoid potential authorship disputes.

3. Identify? the Article's Types

Identifying the types of articles the journal publishes is vital which can be found under the section policy. Journals typically specify whether they accept original research articles, reviews, case studies, short communications, survey articles, opinions, or other types of submissions. Understanding the preferred article types can guide researchers in tailoring their manuscripts to fit the journal’s expectations.

Usually, section policy is described within the ‘About’ section or in the author guidelines of the journal.

4. Check Expected Reviewing Time

The average number of weeks it takes for an article to be reviewed is essentially the average number of weeks it takes for an article to reach key publication points in the production process. Researchers should check the average reviewing time which helps in planning the submission, especially if there are deadlines to meet. Journals that offer rapid review processes or have shorter review timelines might be more suitable for time-sensitive research.

Usually, the expected reviewing time is described within the ‘About’ section or in the author guidelines of the journal.

5. Find the Publishing Fee Information

Considering the publishing fee is essential, especially for open access journals that provide free, immediate online access to research articles. These journals often have article processing charges (APCs) that authors or their institutions need to cover.?

Usually, the publishing fee is described within the ‘About’ section of the journal.

6.?Review Author Guidelines

Finally, adhering to author guidelines is critical for submission. These guidelines provide specific requirements for manuscript formatting, structure, and referencing style. Taking the time to make an informed choice not only maximizes the visibility and credibility of your research but also contributes positively to the scholarly community by ensuring your work reaches the right audience

Usually, the 'Author Guidelines' (or link to author guidelines) can be found under the ‘Submission’ section of the journal.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right journal for your research paper is a strategic decision that can significantly impact the dissemination and impact of your work. The author shall always read the ‘About’ section as well as the ‘Author Guidelines’ of the journal as most of the crucial information (or link to the relevant information) is available there. Additionally, if you are still unsure, consider reaching out to the journal’s Principal Contact with a summary of your research.

Additional Readings: Visit the Writing & Publishing Research Guide

Receive valuable insights directly in your feed by subscribing Editor's Eye newsletter for free.

Warm regards,

Dr. Adam