Academic journals that demand publication fees but lack the required quality standards to ensure their published articles are scientifically valid are considered predatory. These journals frequently request submissions from scholars via spam emails. To entice authors to publish with them, they may employ deceptive tactics, such as claiming to be linked with credible organizations.
Here are a few pointers to avoid predatory journals:
- Be wary of emails you get in the email but didn’t ask for, and sometimes come to spam, especially if they promise to publish quickly or charge a lot of money.
- Examine the publisher’s website thoroughly. Reputable journals usually provide extensive details about their editorial board, the review process, and publication requirements.
- Search databases such as the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) or the Ulrichsweb Global Serials Directory for the journal. These databases can assist you in determining whether or not the journal is legitimate.
- Examine the journal’s impact factor, which measures how frequently publications in the journal are cited. Predatory journals often have low or no impact factors.
- Consider consulting with colleagues or professionals in your field. They can recommend trustworthy journals or assist you in determining the quality of a specific publication.
Following these rules can keep predatory journals from hurting you and your research.
