How to Avoid Predatory Journals

When you're ready to submit your research, how do you make sure the journal is legit?
How to Avoid Predatory Journals
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Trying to figure out which journal to submit to? It's a tough decision in the best of times, but with the prevalence of predatory journals, how do you know which ones are legitimate? Here are some articles we've collected to help you answer those questions:

Predatory Publishers: Phony Versus Legit

Predatory Publishing: What Is It and How You Can Spot It

COPE Guest article: Avoiding predatory publishers

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Go to the profile of Mengmeng dou
4 months ago
  1. Check the journal's indexing: Legitimate journals are often indexed in well-known databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. You can check if the journal is indexed in these databases by searching for the journal name on the respective database's website. 

  2. Find out the impact factor and the history of this magazine. 

Go to the profile of Mengmeng dou
4 months ago

We should use AI , then in order to avoid AI winter , we should train the big models, continuously promoting basic research.

Go to the profile of Javad Sharifi-Rad
about 2 months ago

I’d be happy to share my thoughts on that! Here’s a detailed breakdown to help avoid predatory journals:

  1. Peer Review Process: Legitimate journals will have a clear and structured peer-review process. If the journal can’t explain how it handles submissions or doesn’t seem to offer peer review, be very cautious.

  2. Editorial Board: Check the qualifications of the editorial board members. A reputable journal will have recognized experts in your field. If the board consists of unfamiliar names or lacks credible affiliations, that’s a red flag.

  3. Impact Factor and Indexing: Trusted journals usually have a measurable impact factor or are indexed in well-established databases like Scopus, Web of Science, or PubMed. Be wary of journals that claim high-impact factors without proof or those that aren't indexed anywhere reputable.

  4. Publishing Fees: Reputable journals are transparent about any submission or publication fees. Predatory journals often demand high fees upfront with little explanation. If a journal asks for money before your article is accepted or reviewed, it’s a major warning sign.

  5. Publisher Reputation: Check the journal’s publisher. Known publishers, like Elsevier, Wiley, or Springer, are usually reliable. If the publisher is unknown or has a track record of questionable journals, it's best to steer clear.

  6. Ethical Guidelines: A legitimate journal will have clear policies on plagiarism, conflicts of interest, and research integrity. If the journal doesn’t mention its ethical stance, it’s better to be cautious.

By carefully considering these points, you can ensure your research is submitted to a reputable journal. I hope you never find yourself publishing in one of these shady journals at all!