Choosing a journal

This branch covers selecting a journal for an individual manuscript, divided into matching the venue to the work, interpreting citation measures and checking legitimacy. It leaves venue choices across a publication programme, manuscript submission, publishing access models and charges, and dissemination after publication to neighbouring branches.

• Choosing a journal to submit a manuscript to — matching the contribution and readers, shortlisting, journal requirements, indexing, timing, costs and presubmission inquiries
• What the impact factor and other citation measures can tell you — calculation, uses and limits of journal and article metrics, manipulation, citation context and online attention
• Recognising and avoiding predatory journals — definitions, growth and harms, risks to authors, venue checks, watchlists and professional responses