Last updated: January 2026 · 3 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Introduction
Choosing the right journal is one of the most consequential decisions an author makes. A good fit shortens the path to publication and ensures the work reaches the intended readership. A poor fit can result in months of delay, repeated desk rejections, or — at worst — publication in a venue that fails to confer the credibility the work deserves. This guide presents a structured framework for journal selection.
Step 1 — Scope and audience
Begin by reading the journal's aims and scope statement and browsing the table of contents of the most recent issues. The question to answer is straightforward: would your paper look in place alongside the articles published there in the last year? If the topical fit is uncertain, the manuscript will likely be desk-rejected even if the work itself is sound.
Step 2 — Editorial governance
A credible journal publishes a clearly identifiable editorial board, names a publisher, and maintains a documented set of policies covering peer review, ethics, corrections, and retractions. If these basic elements are missing or generic, treat that as a warning. Reputable governance is a stronger signal of quality than the journal's name or hosting platform.
Step 3 — Indexing claims
Verify any indexing claims against the source database. If a journal claims indexing in a service such as DOAJ, Crossref, Scopus, or Web of Science, the journal should be locatable in that service's own search. Public-facing claims that cannot be verified are a strong negative signal. Note that indexing inclusion can take time after a journal launches, so absence alone is not disqualifying for a young publication, but unverifiable claims always are.
Step 4 — Cost, access, and timelines
Decide whether your work needs to be open access — for funder compliance, public engagement, or simply to maximise readership. Compare APCs across candidate open-access journals and confirm what the fee covers. Realistic publication timelines should be stated by the journal; unusually fast turnaround (for example, acceptance within days) is typically a sign of weak peer review rather than efficiency.
For authors seeking an affordable, well-governed open-access route, low-fee publishers such as EP Journals offer a structured alternative to both high-fee commercial venues and unreliable predatory ones, with a flat APC of approximately USD 30 per accepted article and a typical review window of one to two weeks.
Warning signs to avoid
- No identifiable editor-in-chief or board, or board members listed without affiliation.
- Indexing claims that cannot be verified at the source.
- Aggressive solicitation by email, especially with flattery or guaranteed acceptance.
- Acceptance promised within days regardless of subject matter.
- No documented ethics, corrections, or retractions policy.
Key points
- Fit beats prestige — a well-matched journal accepts faster and reaches the right readers.
- Verify governance, peer review model, and indexing at source before submitting.
- Cost should be evaluated alongside what the fee covers and the journal's policies.
- Unrealistic speed is usually a signal of weak review, not strong process.
- Submit to one journal at a time and keep a shortlist ready for resubmission if needed.
Frequently asked questions
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Related reading and next steps
Editorial enquiries
Questions about this guide or about preparing a manuscript for submission may be directed to the editorial office. Where a query relates to a specific journal in the portfolio, please indicate the journal abbreviation in your message.
Email: editor@ep-journals.org