Top Criteria for Selecting a Journal When Your Paper Is Ready

Completing a research paper is an exciting milestone for any researcher. After months—sometimes years—of designing a study, collecting data, and crafting a strong manuscript, you finally reach the moment when your work is ready to be shared with the academic world. But one critical question remains:

With thousands of journals available across disciplines, making the right choice can feel overwhelming—especially for early-career researchers. In this article, we break down the top criteria for selecting a journal once your paper is ready, helping you make a strategic and confident decision.

One of the first—and most important—criteria researchers consider is indexing. Journals indexed in reputable databases ensure your work is discoverable, credible, and recognized by academic institutions worldwide.

Scopus

One of the largest and most widely recognized databases. Many universities require publication in Scopus-indexed journals for recognition, promotion, or graduation.

Web of Science (WoS)

A more selective database known for stringent quality and impact criteria. WoS includes several indexes:

• SCI (Science Citation Index) – high-impact scientific journals

• SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded)

• SSCI (Social Sciences Citation Index)

• AHCI (Arts & Humanities Citation Index)

• ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) – newer but reputable journals

PubMed / Medline

The primary indexing database for medical, life sciences, and health-related journals. Essential for researchers in clinical or biomedical fields.

Here is a simple reference you can include:

Once you know the journal is properly indexed, the next factor to consider is its ranking and performance metrics.

Quartile rankings classify journals into four categories based on citation performance and impact within their subject area.

• Q1: Top 25%—highest prestige, most competitive

• Q2: Above average—strong academic recognition

• Q3: Moderate visibility—good for solid, specialized research

• Q4: Entry-level journals—often good for early-career researchers or niche studies

Choosing the right quartile depends on your goals.
For example:

• If you need high prestige → choose Q1 or Q2

• If you want faster acceptance → Q3 or Q4 may be more realistic

The Impact Factor measures how often a journal’s articles are cited, calculated annually by Clarivate.

Higher IF usually means:

• Greater visibility

• More competition

• Stricter review processes

However, a high IF journal is not always the best journal—sometimes a moderate IF, field-specific journal is more appropriate and faster.

Time is a critical factor for many researchers—especially those with:

• graduation deadlines

• promotion requirements

• grant obligations

Journals differ significantly in timeline:

• Time to first decision (desk review) – 1 to 30 days

• Peer review duration – 1 to 6 months

• Time from acceptance to online publication – 1 week to 3 months

• Time to appear in an issue – 1 month to 1 year

If time is your priority, look for journals with:
Rapid review
Continuous publication
Clear timeline policies on their website

The acceptance rate shows how competitive a journal is.

• 5%–20%: very competitive, top-tier journals

• 20%–40%: moderate acceptance

• 40%–70%: more accessible journals

• 70%+: often newer or niche journals

A low acceptance rate is not necessarily better—your goal is to find the right journal for your research, not the most exclusive one.

For strategic submission, balance:

• your article’s strength

• journal prestige

• acceptance likelihood

• timeline requirements

Publication costs vary widely depending on the journal type:

• Open Access (OA) – Usually charge APCs (from $150 to $5,000+)

• Hybrid Journals – Optional APC for open access; no cost for regular publication

• Subscription Journals – Typically free to publish

• Fast-track options (If available) – Additional cost for accelerated review

Before submitting, check:

• APC amount

• Currency (USD, EUR)

• Payment deadlines

• Refund policy (rare but sometimes available)

If budget is a concern, prioritize journals with:

• No APC

• Waiver options for early-career researchers

• Reduced fees for developing countries

Scope mismatch is one of the top reasons for desk rejection.

Carefully evaluate:

• Aims and scope

• Topics published in recent issues

• Methodology styles preferred

• Target audience

• Whether your keywords align with the journal’s themes

If your research sits at the intersection of two fields, consider multidisciplinary journals.

Submitting to the right scope dramatically increases your chances of acceptance and supports better readership.

Many universities have strict rules regarding publication:

• Only journals indexed in Scopus/WoS/PubMed may be accepted

• Some institutions do not accept ESCI or SCIE journals

• Certain publishers may be discouraged

• Some departments prefer Q1/Q2 publications

• Supervisors may have prior experience with specific journals

Before finalizing your choice, confirm with:
Your supervisor
Department office
University publication guidelines

This helps avoid problems after acceptance—especially for thesis submission or academic promotion.