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Predatory Publishing

Practical Tips for Avoiding Predatory Journals

Before You Submit!

Research the Journal:

  • Evaluate the Journal’s Website:
    • Start by visiting the journal’s official website. A credible journal should have a professional, well-maintained site with clear information about its aims, scope, editorial board, and submission process.
    • Look for transparency in publishing practices, such as clear information on publication fees, peer review processes, and contact details.
  • Check Journal’s History:
    • Investigate the journal’s publishing history. Review past issues and articles to assess the quality of the research published. Credible journals typically have a consistent publishing schedule and a substantial archive.
  • Read Published Articles:
    • Skim through several articles published in the journal to evaluate their quality, relevance, and citation rates. Ensure that the articles cite other credible research and are well-written.

Consult with Colleagues:

  • Seek Peer Recommendations:
    • Before submitting your work, ask colleagues, mentors, or other experts in your field for their opinions on the journal. Experienced researchers can often spot red flags that may not be immediately obvious.
  • Join Academic Networks:
    • Engage with academic communities, both online and offline, to discuss potential publication venues. Platforms like ResearchGate or academia.edu, and professional networks, can be valuable resources for gathering information about journals.

Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers:

  • Beware of Rapid Publication Promises:
    • Be cautious if a journal promises unusually fast publication timelines. Quality peer review and editorial processes take time, and journals that offer immediate acceptance may not be credible.
  • Question Aggressive Solicitation:
    • If you receive unsolicited emails from a journal urging you to submit your work or join their editorial board, approach with caution. Credible journals typically do not engage in aggressive marketing tactics.

During the Submission Process

Understand the Fees:

  • Check for Transparency:
    • Before submitting, ensure the journal provides clear information about publication fees. Reputable journals will disclose any costs upfront, including article processing charges (APCs), page charges, or color printing fees.
  • Compare Fees:
    • Compare the fees with other reputable journals in your field. Predatory journals often charge exorbitant fees that are not justified by the quality of the editorial services provided.

Review the Editorial Process:

  • Check Peer Review Details:
    • A credible journal will provide a detailed description of its peer review process, including how reviewers are selected, the timeline for reviews, and the criteria used for evaluating submissions.
  • Look for Editorial Transparency:
    • Verify that the journal has a clear editorial policy and that it is transparent about its standards for publication. Avoid journals that do not specify their peer review process or have vague or inconsistent policies.

Watch for Red Flags During the Process:

  • Unusual Requests:
    • Be wary if the journal asks for additional fees not previously disclosed or requests that you bypass standard review procedures.
  • Suspicious Communication:
    • Pay attention to the professionalism of communication from the journal’s editors or staff. Poor communication or pressure to make quick decisions can be warning signs.

Withdrawing a Manuscript From a Predatory Journal

Once an author has signed a copyright transfer or approved publication of an article in a predatory journal, your chances of having the article removed from the journal are improbable. We stress the importance of avoiding predatory publishers from the start.

In the case that your article is already published in a predatory journal, you can consider the following options:

  • Contact the publisher (by email, phone, and certified letter) and request that the article be removed from the website.
    • Most of the time, authors will not receive a response from the publisher, even after repeated attempts.
  • If you have NOT signed a copyright agreement with the predatory publisher:
    • Your article can still be published in a legitimate journal. We recommend contacting the editor-in-chief of the legitimate journal, explaining the situation to them, and seeking their guidance.
    • If the paper is accepted in a legitimate journal, it may appear with an editorial note on the paper to explain the situation. 
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