How Do I Choose the Best Journal for My Paper?

Summary

In this video, John Bond from Riverwinds Consulting shares expert advice on how to choose the right scholarly journal for your research paper. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in scholarly publishing, he guides viewers through the key steps: preparing your manuscript, researching journals, reviewing mission statements, author guidelines, impact factors, and indexing, and finally, submitting to a single journal at a time. With practical tips for both open access and subscription-based journals, this video ensures your paper finds the best platform to reach your target audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Revise your paper carefully before submission—ensure it's been critiqued by colleagues and checked for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
• 😀 Create a list of potential journals to submit your paper to, including those you respect or have read, and seek feedback from your peers.
• 😀 Review each journal’s Mission, Aims, and Scope on their website to see if it aligns with your paper’s topic and format.
• 😀 Take note of the journal's publishing frequency (e.g., monthly, quarterly) and any specific submission requirements outlined in the 'Information for Authors' section.
• 😀 Check if the journal has an Impact Factor (IF) listed, as this can indicate its reach and influence in your field.
• 😀 If submitting to an Open Access journal, be sure to research the Author Processing Charge (APC), which may apply.
• 😀 Verify if the journal is indexed in key databases like Medline, CINAHL, or others relevant to your field to ensure your paper reaches the right audience.
• 😀 Pay attention to the average time it takes for a paper to go from submission to decision, as well as from acceptance to publication, especially for urgent topics.
• 😀 Review the journal’s recent publications to determine if they have published similar research, as journals typically seek new takes on existing topics.
• 😀 Always submit your paper to one journal at a time—sending it to multiple journals simultaneously is both unethical and unprofessional.
• 😀 If unsure, consider reaching out to the editor-in-chief with a brief description of your paper for feedback on whether it's a good fit for the journal.

Q & A

What is the first step to take before submitting your paper to a journal?

The first step is to have your paper reviewed and critiqued by colleagues and associates. Consider their feedback carefully and make the necessary revisions before moving forward.

How can you make sure your paper is free of errors before submission?

Perform a final review of your paper for grammar, spelling, format, and style. This ensures it meets the professional standards expected by journals.

Why is it important to create a chart or list of potential journals?

Creating a chart or list helps you compare different journals based on their focus, mission, and submission guidelines. It also helps you track important details such as their submission process and indexing.

What should you include in the chart when considering journals for submission?

Your chart should include the names and URLs of the journals, their mission and scope, their publication frequency, submission guidelines, impact factor (if available), access model (subscription-based or open access), and indexing information.

How do you determine if a journal's mission aligns with your paper's content?

Visit the journal’s website and read the 'About' section, which usually includes the journal’s mission and aims. Compare this to your paper's focus to see if they align.

What is the significance of a journal’s Impact Factor?

The Impact Factor is a measure of the journal's citation impact. Journals with a higher Impact Factor often have a larger readership and greater influence in their field, which can increase the visibility of your paper.

What does it mean if a journal is Open Access, and what should you consider?

An Open Access journal makes articles freely available to the public. If the journal is Open Access, check if there are Author Processing Charges (APCs) associated with publication, and consider the wider readership it can provide.

What should you check regarding the journal’s indexing?

Ensure the journal is indexed in key databases relevant to your field, such as Medline or CINAHL for medical or nursing topics. Indexing increases the chances that your paper will be discovered by other researchers.

Why is it important to review a journal's average time from submission to decision?

If your research is time-sensitive, knowing how long it typically takes for a journal to make a decision on submitted papers is important. Some journals may take longer than others, which could impact your research’s relevance.

What is the ethical protocol when submitting your paper to journals?

It is considered unethical to submit your paper to multiple journals at the same time. You should submit to one journal at a time and wait for their response before submitting to another journal.

What should you do if you’re unsure which journal is the best fit for your paper?

If you're unsure, you can email the editor-in-chief with a brief description of your paper and its background. Some editors may offer feedback or guidance on whether the journal is a good fit for your work.