Video: Choose the right journal: Tips for effective journal selection

A major part of research preparation is selecting the right home for your manuscript. You do not want to start drafting a research paper without first identifying the target journals. Just like how you consider factors such as hygiene, wi-fi availability, and amenities offered before selecting a hotel for your stay at a holiday destination, here are four key factors that should be weighed before choosing the right journal for your research paper. 

Always read the journal home page to know its impact factor, CiteScore, or SCImago journal rank. This will help you decide whether your research paper will receive sufficient visibility after publication. 

Do not rely solely on impact factor though! Relevance is key. Your research should match the journal’s scope before you look at the impact factor. 
 

Check which database the journal is indexed in. This is important because although journals accept your paper for publication, it may not have a global reach if the journals themselves are not cited in the main scientific databases. The most popular databases include PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. 
 

The frequency of publication (e.g., bi-monthly, quarterly, or annually) will give you clarity on how long the journal takes for a review decision. This is critical because you will know the potential time required for your article to get published, and you can plan your research accordingly.  

This refers to the acceptance rate and the type of peer review followed by the journal. The higher the impact factor, the higher the rejection rate! So, choose wisely. 

Also, the peer review model (single-blind, double-blind, open peer review, and post-publication peer review) incorporated by the journal should give you an idea on which journal suits best for your manuscript.