7 tips to help you choose the right journal for your manuscript

Choosing a journal is one of those decisions that sounds simple until you actually have to do it. You have a finished manuscript. You’re proud of the work. And now you’re staring at a list of promising journals. For many authors, especially early-career researchers, this stage can feel more stressful than writing the manuscript  itself.

It’s critical for you to choose an appropriate journal for your manuscript. The right choice can improve visibility, shorten review timelines, and increase your chances of acceptance. The wrong one can lead to desk rejections, long delays, or worse, falling into the trap of predatory publishers that promise quick publication but offer little academic value.

So how can you ensure that you have chosen the right journal for your manuscript? Let’s break this down into clear, realistic measures that will help you make the right decision.

#1 – Focus on scope, not prestige

Before you think about impact factor or rankings, ask yourself a simple question: does this journal genuinely publish work like mine? Scope mismatch is one of the most common reasons for early rejection. Many manuscripts are rejected before peer review because they don’t align with a journal’s scope. This could be frustrating, but it’s also avoidable. Read the journal’s aims and scope section carefully. Then, look at recent issues. Are the research questions, methods, and audience aligned with your area of research? If your work is interdisciplinary, prioritize journals that already publish interdisciplinary studies rather than trying to force a fit. If you find yourself thinking, “I could probably make this fit,” that’s usually a sign to avoid that journal.

#2 – Check the journal’s reputation

Reputation isn’t just about how well-known a journal is. It’s about whether the journal follows ethical and transparent publishing practices. Verify editorial board details, peer review processes, and publisher information before submission. Journals that aggressively solicit submissions, promise guaranteed acceptance, or advertise unrealistically fast timelines without outlining clear peer review policies should  be considered with caution. Early-career researchers tend to be easy targeted for predatory publishers because they are eager to publish and may not yet recognize warning signs. Taking a few minutes to check these details can save regret later.

#3 – Treat research journal submission guidelines as part of peer review

Submission guidelines are not administrative formalities. They reflect how a journal evaluates and processes manuscripts. Ignoring word limits, reference styles, or reporting requirements is one of the most definitive ways to trigger a desk rejection. Many editors interpret non-compliance to submission guidelines as a signal that the manuscript may not be ready for review. If the guidelines seem difficult to follow, break them down into a simple checklist. Focus on the elements that affect editorial screening first, such as structure, ethics statements, and formatting.

#4 – Use  the impact factor as an indicator, not the only criterion for journal selection

Impact factor often dominates journal selection conversations. The impact factor reflects average citation activity across a journal. Remember that it is by no means an absolute indicator of the quality or real-world impact of individual articles. High-impact journals offer visibility, but they also tend to have higher rejection rates. Many authors struggle to choose between a prestigious journal with a loose scope match or a niche journal where the audience is smaller but highly relevant. In most cases, the second option would lead to better engagement. Use the impact factor as a reference point and not a decision-maker.

#5 – Be realistic about timelines

Publication timelines matter, especially if you are working toward a graduation requirement, grant deadline, or promotion review. Some journals publish average time-to-decision information . If speed is critical, look for journals that transparently offer shorter timelines without sacrificing peer review.

#6 – Understand aspects such as type(s) of access, publication fees, and author rights

Journal policies could directly affect how your work is shared. Check whether the journal is subscription-based, open access, or hybrid. Review the journal’s article processing charges, copyright terms, and self-archiving policies. Conflicts often arise here. You may want open access but have limited funding or need to meet a funder mandate while keeping costs reasonable. Knowing more about publication related aspects will help you make informed decisions .

#7 – Use journal selection tools, but don’t rely on them blindly

Journal finder tools can be helpful for generating options. In practice, they work best when combined with manual checks of a journal’s scope and submission guidelines. Use tools to shortlist potential journal and then apply your judgment to choose the one that’s most relevant for your work. No algorithm will understand your research better than you would.

 

BONUS RESOURCE – FREE CHECKLIST

Have you heard of Think.Check.Submit.? Think.Check.Submit. is a global cross-sector initiative that educates researchers and promotes integrity in scholarly publishing. The Think.Check.Submit. checklist is a practical resource that can help you choose the right journal for your manuscript. You can access the checklist below or download it for free from here.

 

Learning the process builds confidence over time

Choosing the right journal for your academic manuscript isn’t something you can master overnight. Every author, regardless of experience, has had to deal with lack of clarity about scope or conflicting priorities. What improves with time is your ability to evaluate journals critically and make decisions with confidence. Each submission teaches you something about fit, expectations, and process. Thoughtful journal selection not only improves publication outcomes, it protects your work and your credibility as a researcher.

For more journal submission tips and peer review insights, join the ReviewerOne community.