There are many reputable, high quality, subscription-based and open access journal publishers. Some steps you can take to ensure you are publishing ethically include:
Identify quality journals
Research the scope, submission process and peer review used by the journal:
- Scopus, Scimago, and Web of Science are reputable resources that list and rank journals, including many open access journals.
- Ulrichsweb indicates whether journals are peer reviewed and what databases they are included (indexed) in. Publishing with journals that are indexed in your subject’s major databases makes articles more findable.
- Some journals may charge a publication fee. UNSW does not have a central fund, however the Library has some memberships that can provide discounts to eligible affiliated authors. Contact your Outreach Librarian for more information.
Before you submit:
- Check the publisher’s website and author guidelines.
- Check the editorial board - are members listed on the journal’s website?
- Carefully read any contracts and agreements - and whether you can retain your copyright or negotiate an addendum.
- Ask whether the peer review process and any fees or charges are clearly outlined.
- Quality journals adhere to ethical standards. Look for links to COPE’s guidelines on publisher websites.
- Be wary of journals that send out excessive email invitations to submit articles and to be on editorial boards.
- Think.Check.Submit has a useful checklist for assessing journals.