How to Select Journals with Fast Review and Publication Time
Learn how to select reputable journals with fast review and publication timelines. A practical guide on indexing, journal selection, and timelines.
For many researchers, publishing in a reputable journal is not only an academic achievement but also an urgent requirement. Graduate students racing against thesis deadlines, faculty applying for promotion, and professionals needing indexed publications for visa, scholarship, or job applications often face strict timelines.
Because of this, finding fast-review, fast-publication journals within the right field—and with credible indexing—becomes a top priority. But with thousands of journals available, how can you identify reputable ones that publish quickly?
This practical guide explains how to select journals with fast publication timelines, what key factors to look for, and how to evaluate their credibility before submitting your research paper.
Why Some Researchers Need Fast Publication
Fast publication becomes essential in cases such as:
Meeting graduation requirements
Applying for academic promotion
Supporting scholarship, visa, or job applications
Completing grant or funding obligations
Strengthening your CV before a deadline
In these situations, it’s crucial to select journals that:
Are indexed (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, etc.)
Are reputable and not predatory
Offer faster peer review and online-first publication
The challenge is finding journals that meet all three criteria.
Steps to Select Journals with Fast Review and Publication Time
1. Decide Which Indexing You Need
Before searching for a journal, identify which indexing is required for your goal. Different institutions accept different index types.
Common Indexing Databases
Scopus – Widely accepted for academic promotion and graduation
Web of Science (SCI, SCIE, ESCI) – Highly reputable, sometimes slower
PubMed/Medline – For medical and health sciences
DOAJ – For open-access journals
How Indexing Affects Publication Time
Indexing and speed of publication are often inversely related:
SCI/SCIE journals → Most reputable, usually slowest
Scopus journals → Moderate review time, many fast options
ESCI journals → Often faster than SCI/SCIE, still reputable
DOAJ journals → Can be fast depending on the publisher
If your deadline is strict, Scopus or ESCI journals often offer the best balance of speed and recognition.
2. Find Relevant Journals in Your Field
Your journal must be related to your research scope, otherwise, it may be immediately rejected. Here are the practical ways to find them:
Option A: Search Through Databases
You can directly explore indexed journal lists on:
Scopus Sources List
Web of Science Master Journal List
PubMed Journal List
Use filters such as:
Subject area
Open access
Publisher
Country
These lists do not show publication speed, but they help you identify valid options.
Option B: Use Journal Finder Tools
Several online tools help match your paper to the right journal:
Elsevier Journal Finder
Springer Journal Suggester
Wiley Journal Finder
Upload your abstract or keywords, and these tools will suggest journals based on:
Research field
Keyword similarity
Impact factor
Publishing speed
Acceptance likelihood
Option C: Use Journal Recommendation Services
If you need fast publication, the most efficient method is using a professional journal recommendation service.
SITA Academy offers:
A curated list of fast-review journals
Options across Scopus, WoS, and PubMed indexing
Field-specific recommendations
Expected review and publication timelines
Full formatting and submission support
If you want the list of journals with fast timelines, contact us and we will send it based on your field of study.
3. Compare Review and Publication Speed
Once you have a list of potential journals, the next step is comparing their timelines. Many journals do not advertise this clearly, but there are ways to estimate.
Where to Check Timeline Information
Look for these on the journal’s website:
“Peer Review Process” section
“Submission to First Decision” timeline
“Submission to Acceptance” average duration
“Online First / Ahead of Print” options
“Issue Frequency” (monthly, quarterly, yearly)
General Timeline Expectations
Fast journals: 1–4 weeks to first decision
Moderate journals: 1–3 months
Slow journals: 4–12 months
Important Tip:
A journal that publishes monthly or continuously online often processes papers faster than one that publishes once or twice a year.
4. Evaluate Journal Reputation and Authenticity
Fast publication should never come at the cost of credibility.
Checklist to Avoid Predatory Journals
Make sure the journal:
Is indexed in the database it claims
Has a legitimate publisher
Has a clear peer-review policy
Is listed on the official Scopus or WoS database
Has a real editorial board with academic affiliations
Does not promise publication within a few days (red flag!)
Fast publication is acceptable, but instant publication often means low quality.
5. Choose the Most Suitable Journal
After comparing your options, select the journal that gives you the best balance of:
Correct indexing
Fast review time
Relevant scope
Reasonable publication fee
Reputation
How to Finalize Your Choice
Ask yourself:
Does this journal match my field?
Is it indexed where I need?
Is the review time clearly stated?
Does it publish frequently?
Is the publisher trustworthy?
If all answers are “yes,” it’s a strong choice.
Why might using professional support be beneficial?
Choosing the wrong journal can waste time and cause rejection. Researchers with tight deadlines often rely on professional advice.
SITA Academy Journal Selection Support
We offer:
A list of fast-review Scopus/WoS journals
Verification of indexing
Full formatting according to journal guidelines
Submission management
Help with publication process
Conclusion
Finding a journal with fast review and fast publication is absolutely possible—if you search strategically. Start by knowing your required indexing, explore suitable journals through official databases or recommendation tools, and carefully compare review timelines and credibility. With the right process, you can publish your paper quickly without compromising quality.
If you need help selecting the fastest reputable journal in your field,
contact SITA Academy—our team is ready to support your academic goals.
