In many universities today, researchers—especially in the Arab world—face tight deadlines for publication. Whether it’s for PhD graduation, academic promotion, or research funding, having your paper published in a Scopus-indexed journal on time is critical. These deadlines are often non-negotiable.
That’s why many scholars search for fast-publication journals. But in the rush, some end up submitting to predatory or low-quality journals that promise unrealistic speed but lack academic credibility. The result? Your paper gets published in a place your university doesn’t recognize—or worse, it gets ignored completely.
This article provides a clear roadmap to help you choose legitimate, fast Scopus journals and avoid common mistakes.
Not all Scopus journals are slow. Many respected journals have optimized their peer-review process to publish accepted papers faster—sometimes in 4 to 8 weeks, instead of several months. Some even offer “Online First” options, allowing accepted papers to appear online before the full issue is released.
These journals don’t skip peer review. Instead, they:
Assign reviewers faster
Use efficient editorial management systems
Publish articles more frequently (monthly or bi-weekly)
Before submitting your paper, consider the following five key indicators to assess whether a Scopus journal is likely to publish quickly:
Look on the journal’s website or in their “For Authors” section. Legitimate journals often mention how long it takes to receive a first decision (e.g., “21 days to first decision”). A fast review cycle is typically between 2 to 6 weeks.
Journals that publish monthly or bi-weekly often have faster production cycles than those published quarterly. A high-frequency journal likely has more space and editorial resources.
Some reputable journals offer a fast-track or accelerated review service for a fee. This doesn't guarantee acceptance, but it prioritizes your paper for early review.
If the journal has a section called “Online First” or “In Press”, that’s a good sign. It means once your paper is accepted and edited, it can be published online immediately—even if the full journal issue is not yet ready.
Go to the journal’s Scopus listing or browse recent issues. Many journals show the submission, acceptance, and publication dates on articles. This gives you a real-world idea of how long their process takes.
Yes, most journals that offer fast-track review options charge an additional fee. This is because they have to assign editors and reviewers on priority, often requiring extra resources. Prices can range from $100 to $1000+, depending on the journal.
No, not all Scopus journals offer fast-track or expedited publication. Many follow standard academic timelines (2-4 months) and do not prioritize individual papers for any reason.
Always check the journal’s submission information or contact their editorial office to find out.
No. Fast publication is not always predatory, but it can be a red flag if combined with other suspicious features.
Warning signs of predatory journals:
No peer-review process
Fake or unclear impact factor
No clear editorial board
Poor website or grammar errors
No indexing in Scopus or Web of Science
Always verify the journal in Scopus via https://www.scopus.com/sources.
Even if the journal offers a fast track, your submission must be strong and well-prepared. Here are some expert tips to help you move faster through the system:
✅ 1. Choose the Right Journal for Your Paper
Don’t just look for speed. Make sure the journal’s scope matches your research topic. Submitting to an unrelated journal will only result in rejection, wasting precious time.
When selecting a journal, consider its Scopus quartile ranking:
Q1 journals represent the top 25% in their subject category. They usually have a higher impact factor and a rigorous peer review process, which can sometimes lead to a longer review timeline.
Q2 journals fall within the 25-50% range and often provide a great balance between quality and speed. These journals may offer faster publication timelines compared to Q1 while maintaining strong academic standards.
Q3 and Q4 journals also play an important role in the academic publishing landscape. They often have efficient review processes and can be excellent options depending on your research area and publication goals.
For many authors seeking a combination of respected quality and relatively fast publication, choosing a Q2 journal is often a well-considered option.
✅ 2. Follow Submission Guidelines Exactly
Scopus journals have strict requirements for formatting, references, length, and structure. If you ignore them, your paper may be rejected without review (desk rejection).
✅ 3. Use Professional Language Editing
If English is not your first language, consider using a native English editing service. This ensures your manuscript is grammatically correct and professionally written—making it easier for reviewers to assess.
✅ 4. Respond Quickly to Reviewer Comments
If you receive a revision request, submit your changes promptly. Address every comment clearly and respectfully. Delays at this stage are often caused by slow author responses.
✅ 5. Avoid Submitting Around Holidays
Academic editors and reviewers may be on vacation during summer or winter breaks. Submitting during off-peak times may help speed up the process.
If you’re unsure how to search, you can get professional help.
Publication support services, like those offered by SITA, help researchers like you avoid mistakes and get published faster.
Here’s how a support service helps:
Analyze your paper’s topic, scope, and quality
Recommend matching Scopus or Web of Science journals
Check for speed, reputation, and indexation
Format your paper to the journal’s standards
Provide plagiarism checking and English editing
Handle the submission and follow-up process
This saves you time, increases your success rate, and ensures you avoid the risk of falling into predatory journals.
While fast publication is important, never compromise academic integrity. Your research deserves to appear in a journal that values quality, impact, and ethics. By following this guide and using the right support, you can find the perfect balance of speed and credibility.
