Publishing in Scopus-indexed journals is often a requirement for graduation, promotion, or meeting a funding deadline. As a result, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Which Scopus journals publish the fastest?”
The truth is, most reputable journals follow a lengthy peer review process, which can take several months. This delay is often due to factors such as high submission volumes, limited availability of expert reviewers, and the time needed for multiple rounds of revision.
However, if you’re working with a tight deadline, don’t worry — there are effective ways to identify reliable Scopus journals that offer faster publication timelines without compromising quality. In this article, we’ll explore those options and guide you on how to speed up your publishing journey the right way.
Fast track publication (also called accelerated publishing or rapid review) is a service offered by some academic journals to speed up the review and decision-making process for submitted research articles. Instead of waiting many months, fast track submissions are reviewed, revised (if necessary), and published within a much shorter time frame—sometimes within 4 to 8 weeks.
It’s important to understand that fast track publishing does not compromise the quality or integrity of peer review. The process remains rigorous, but timelines are tightened, and the review is often prioritized.
There are several reasons why researchers may opt for fast track publishing:
Graduation or Thesis Requirements
Some students need to publish quickly to meet graduation deadlines.
Academic Promotions
Faculty members applying for promotion or tenure may require proof of recent publications.
Grant or Funding Applications
Many grants or research funding bodies require applicants to have up-to-date published work.
Competitive Advantage
In fast-moving fields, rapid publication ensures your work reaches readers before similar research is published elsewhere.
No, not all Scopus-indexed journals offer a fast track option. The availability depends on:
The publisher’s policies
The journal’s editorial workflow
Whether the journal has enough reviewers and editorial staff to handle quick turnarounds
Journals that do offer fast track publishing usually list this option on their official website, either under “Instructions for Authors”, “Submission Guidelines”, or a separate section titled “Fast Track”.
There’s no fixed price for fast track publication—it varies widely based on the journal, publisher, and field of study. However, here are some general guidelines:
Standard APC (Article Processing Charges):
Many open access Scopus journals charge between $500 to $2000 USD for regular publication.
Fast Track Surcharge:
If a journal offers a fast track option, it may charge an additional fee ranging from $200 to $1000 USD on top of the regular APC.
Note: Some journals do not charge for fast track services but offer them selectively, especially for high-impact research.
Be cautious of predatory journals that guarantee fast publishing for high fees without proper peer review. Always check the journal’s reputation using tools like SCImago (SJR) or the Scopus Source List.
There are several ways to find out whether a Scopus-indexed journal supports fast track publishing:
Go to the journal’s official website and look for sections like:
“Fast Track Submission”
“Accelerated Review Process”
“Author Services”
“Submission Guidelines”
If available, the journal will describe:
The timeline for review and publication
Any additional fees
Contact information for further questions
If you’re a student or junior researcher, consult your academic supervisor or a more experienced colleague. They may already know journals in your field that support fast track publication.
If you’re not sure, you can send a polite inquiry email to the journal's editorial office asking if they offer a fast track or priority review option.
There are professional academic support services (like SITA Academy and others) that specialize in:
Finding suitable journals (including those offering fast track)
Handling formatting, submission, and follow-ups
Communicating with journal editors on your behalf
This is particularly useful if you're short on time or not confident navigating submission platforms.
Timelines vary by journal, but fast track articles typically move through the following stages more quickly:
Stage | Fast Track Timeline |
Initial Editorial Screening | 2–7 days |
Peer Review | 1–3 weeks |
Author Revisions | 1–2 weeks |
Final Decision & Acceptance | 2 week |
Online Publication | 1 Month |
In total, fast track publishing can take 1 to 2 months, compared to 3 to 12 months for standard submissions.
There’s no official, public directory of Scopus journals with fast track options. However, here are some tips:
Use SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) to search for Scopus journals in your field, then check their websites individually.
Look at Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and other publishers that sometimes offer fast track services.
Ask for recommendations from your institutional library, publication advisor, or professional support services.
Prepare your manuscript carefully: A well-written, properly formatted paper is more likely to move quickly through peer review.
Write a strong cover letter: If you're requesting fast track review, explain why it's needed.
Follow up professionally: After submission, you can politely check the status if you haven’t heard back in the expected timeframe.
Fast track publication is a valuable option for researchers who need to publish their work quickly in Scopus journals. While not every journal offers this feature, many do—especially in competitive or time-sensitive fields. By understanding the process, being proactive, and seeking the right support, you can successfully navigate the fast track path and get your research published on time.
Process of Submitting an Order in SITA Academy
Share Your Research Scope |
Receive Journal List |
Select Your Journal |
Formatting & Submission |
If you have any questions, inquiries, or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
