Last updated: April 2026 · 3 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Journal selection consumes more time than many researchers anticipate. The following workflow compresses the process to a few hours without sacrificing the rigour required for an informed submission decision. It assumes the manuscript is largely complete and the research question and methods are stable.
Step 1: Define the manuscript profile
- Discipline and subfield
- Article type (original research, review, methods, case study, short communication)
- Word count and figure count
- Open-access requirement (mandated, preferred, or neutral)
- Budget for APC, including waiver eligibility
- Time constraints
Step 2: Build a candidate list
Three sources are usually sufficient: the journals cited most frequently in the manuscript's reference list, journals identified through manuscript-matching tools (such as Jane, Elsevier Journal Finder, or Springer Journal Suggester), and journals known from supervisor or peer recommendations. The aim at this stage is breadth — typically 8–12 candidates.
Step 3: Filter by scope alignment
Step 4: Verify quality and indexing
| Check | Source |
|---|---|
| Indexing | DOAJ, Scopus, Web of Science, discipline-specific databases |
| Editorial board | Journal website; verify affiliations independently |
| Peer-review model | Author guidelines or editorial policies page |
| APC and waiver policy | Fees page; transparent journals state these clearly |
| Average turnaround | Editorial reports or stated workflow timelines |
Step 5: Apply decision criteria
- Strong scope fit (essential)
- Acceptable peer-review process and timeline
- Indexing matched to audience
- APC within budget or waiver available
- Reputation appropriate to career stage and research significance
Step 6: Make a ranked shortlist
Reduce the candidate list to three journals ranked by overall suitability. Submit to the top choice; if rejected, the next two are already prepared. Platforms like EP Journals can sit on such a shortlist when affordability and continuous online publication are priorities, alongside other journals chosen for their disciplinary specificity.
Key points
- A defined manuscript profile accelerates every subsequent decision.
- Scope alignment is the single most important criterion.
- A ranked shortlist of three saves significant time after rejection.
- Verify indexing directly; never rely on journal claims alone.
Researchers seeking an affordable and structured publication route may include platforms such as EP Journals on their shortlist, alongside discipline-specific journals identified through systematic scope-matching.
Frequently asked questions
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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