This guide provides a practical starting point. Final decisions should always be based on the current rules of the relevant university, journal, publisher or official database.
Start with subject fit
A journal should regularly publish work related to the manuscript’s central discipline, method and intended academic audience. Read recent issues rather than relying only on the journal title.
Verify official information
Check the ISSN, publisher details, editorial contacts, review process, ethics policies and current author guidelines on the official journal website.
Treat indexing as a changing claim
Indexing coverage may change. Verify it in the relevant official database at the time of submission instead of relying on screenshots, advertisements or old lists.
Compare publication terms
Review publication charges, licensing, copyright, submission route, revision requirements and declared processing information before making a decision.