Selecting the right publication channel is an important part of the publishing process and responsible research practices. A carefully considered decision supports the visibility and impact of your research. The following steps will help you identify a suitable publication for your work.
Tools to find scientific channels:
Search for literature related to your research topic using multidisciplinary databases such as Scopus or Web of Science, or databases specific to your field. You can narrow down your search results using the filtering tools on the left-hand side of the interface. These tools often also show which journals the articles in your results have been published in. This way, you can compile a list of potential journals that might be suitable for your article.
In the JUFO Portal (Publication Forum), you can search for suitable journals, conferences, and book publishers that are part of the Finnish classification system. The portal allows you to search for journals evaluated by the Publication Forum using three different classification schemes: MinEdu, Web of Science (WoS), or Scopus.
In Journal Citation Reports (JCR), you can search for suitable publication channels across more than 250 subject categories indexed in the Web of Science database.
The Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) allows you to search for open access scholarly journals across more than 500 disciplines.
You can assess the reliability of a journal by checking the following:
The impact of a journal can be evaluated using various metrics and tools that provide insights into its scientific impact, citation rates, and visibility.
Predatory journals are open access publications whose primary goal is to profit from author fees rather than to uphold scholarly standards. These journals may promise rapid publication, but often lack proper peer review, or the review may not be conducted by qualified experts. Long-term preservation of published articles may also be uncertain.
Is the journal indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or another key database in your field? Note that what matters is the journal’s current indexing status, as a journal can also be removed from a database.
Is the journal listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)? DOAJ accepts high-quality, peer-reviewed open access journals through an application process. Note that absence from DOAJ does not automatically mean a journal is predatory.
Has the journal been evaluated in JUFO (Publication Forum) and received at least Level 1? Journals at Level 0 have not been recognized as scientific, and may include suspected predatory journals.
Critically examine the journal’s website for transparency, editorial board information, and publication practices.
Use the Think.Check.Submit. checklist and video to evaluate journals.
Once you have identified potential publication channels that match your research topic, compare their publishing practices, target audiences, and objectives.
Review the journal’s Aims and Scope section and recent articles to ensure your research aligns with the journal’s focus and priorities.
When making the final decision, also consider practical aspects such as openness and available license options, potential publication fees, funder requirements, the quality of the peer review process, and the journal’s publication schedule and timelines.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure your research reaches the right audience and progresses smoothly through the publication process.
