Choosing the Right Journal for Your Research

As a researcher, selecting the right journal for your work can be a daunting task. The journal must publish papers on topics similar to your own, specify length limitations, and meet your financial and time constraints.

Key Considerations for Journal Selection

Content Relevance

Find a journal that publishes papers on topics similar to yours. This ensures that your research will be read and appreciated by the target audience. If your research is in tourism, for example, journals focused on travel, hospitality, and leisure will be more relevant than those in unrelated fields.

Length and Costs

Check the length limitations set by the journal and determine if you will need to pay for publication. Some journals are expensive, while others offer open-access options. The cost should be weighed against the visibility and credibility your paper gains from the journal’s reputation.

Review Process

Find out the likely duration of the review process. A swift turnaround can be beneficial for your work. Delays can impact your research timeline and opportunities. Disreputable journals that accept papers for pay without rigorous review should be avoided unless you don't care about your research's perceived value.

Steps to Find the Right Journal

Scopus Database Search

One effective method is to use databases like Scopus to find suitable journals. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Log on to the Scopus website.

Search journals using relevant keywords. For example, if your research is in tourism, use 'tourism' as a keyword.

Refine your search with options like top 10pc of Q1 and Q2 journals. These metrics indicate high-quality publications.

Export the results as an Excel file. This can help you keep track of your findings.

Sort the results based on metrics like CiteScore, Citations, and Highest Percentile. These measures indicate the impact and relevance of the journals.

Study Journal Submissions

Go to your university library or look online for journals in your field. Browse through a number of them or scroll through their title-pages to see what kinds of articles they tend to publish. Look at the submission standards to ensure they align with your work.

Author Guidelines

Navigate through the author guidelines of the journals you're considering. For example, the JRAAS (Journal of Research in Applied Advanced Sciences) guidelines provide all the necessary information you need to select a journal. This includes formatting, submission requirements, and the review process.

Personal Criteria for Journal Submission

Here are some personal criteria to consider when submitting your research:

Choose journals that have published some of your favorite papers. This ensures consistency in quality and relevance.

Select journals that are well-regarded in your field, typically among the top 20 in the field.

Opt for journals that tend to publish papers on the topics you are writing about.

Prefer journals with a record of reasonable review times, such as up to 3 months.

Consider journals that invite you to submit to special issues. This shows a proactive interest in your field.

By carefully selecting the right journal, you can ensure that your research is published in a reputable and impactful venue, benefiting both your career and the wider academic community.