Understanding the Publication Process – Selecting Suitable Journals, Dealing with Rejections, etc.

1. Choosing the Right Journal:

• Consider Your Goals: Determine if your target audience is specialists or a broader group.
• Understand the Journal's Criteria: Investigate the type of content journals publish to find a match for your research.
• Aim Realistically: Choose journals in line with your paper's significance.
• Assess and Match: Compare your paper with previously published articles in prospective journals.

1. Identifying Scope and Subject Area:

• Research Similar Works: Investigate where similar work has been published and check reference lists.
• Ask Colleagues: Peer recommendations can guide your journal selection.
• Ensure Indexing and Promotion: Check if the journal is indexed in essential databases and can promote your research effectively.

1. Understanding Journal Metrics:

• Be Cautious with Metrics: Don't solely rely on metrics like Impact Factor.
• Consider Individual Metrics: Examine metrics of individual papers similar to yours.
• Quality Over Impact Factor: Prioritize paper quality over journal prominence.
• Look other citation metrics, e.g. Eigenfactor or SCImago Journal Rank, or check the journal citation distribution.

1. Consideration of Processing Speed:

• Check Average Times: Understand the typical processing duration for a journal.
• Assess Service and Presentation: Investigate how the journal handles editing and specific requirements.
• Understand Revenue Streams: Learn how publishers monetize your work.

1. Ensuring Journal Reputability: