Last updated: 29 April 2026 · 8 min read · Audience: Authors, students, early-career researchers · Reading level: Introductory
Selecting a journal is fundamentally a question of fit. The most cited venue in a discipline is not necessarily the most appropriate destination for a particular manuscript, and the highest-prestige journal may have an acceptance rate that makes submission inadvisable for a tightly scoped study. A systematic comparison across several candidates is therefore the recommended approach.
Establish scope alignment first
The aims and scope statement of each candidate journal should be read against the central contribution of the manuscript. A mismatch in scope is the most common reason for desk rejection and cannot be overcome by quality of writing.
Compare candidates across structured criteria
| Criterion | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Scope | Do recently published articles resemble the manuscript in topic and method? |
| Indexing | Is the journal indexed in the databases relevant to the discipline? |
| Review model | Single-blind, double-blind, or open peer review? |
| Turnaround | What is the typical time to first decision and to publication? |
| Access model | Open access, subscription, or hybrid? |
| Charges | Are article processing charges applicable, and at what level? |
| Audience | Will the intended readership encounter the work? |
Verify legitimacy
Where any candidate is unfamiliar, its credentials should be verified before submission. Indicators of legitimacy include transparent editorial board listings, a documented peer-review process, indexing in recognised databases, and a clear corrections and retractions policy.
Key points
- Scope alignment is the single strongest predictor of an editorial decision to send a paper for review.
- Comparison should be conducted across a structured set of criteria, not first impressions.
- Legitimacy verification is essential for any unfamiliar journal.
- A shortlist of three candidates is more efficient than a single high-stakes submission.
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