Understand the Basics of Open Access (OA)

• Familiarize yourself with Open Access definitions and models (Green, Gold, and Hybrid OA).

Preliminary Journal Research

• Identify potential journals that align with your research topic and scope.

• Use tools like JournalGuide or JANE to assess the appropriateness of the journal for your work.

• Employ Edanz Journal Selector to match your abstract with potential publication venues.

Consult with a Librarian and Your Department Chair

• Contact your department's Library Liaison and your Department Chair to verify the legitimacy of the journal.

• Ensure the journal is not listed as predatory on predatory lists such as Journalytics and is recognized by reputable directories like DOAJ or OASPA.

Verify Journal and Publisher Credibility

• Check the publisher’s website for full contact information, including a physical address.

• Ensure the editorial board is composed of recognized experts in the field with full affiliations.

Review Publication Fees

• Confirm the journal's policy on publication fees and ensure transparency.

• Check for Open Access/Hybrid Journals With APC Covered Through Mercer University.

Evaluate the Peer-Review Process

• Verify that the journal's peer-review process is clearly described and legitimate.

Check Indexing and Impact Factors

• Ensure the journal is indexed in established academic databases like Web of Science or MEDLINE.

• Check the journal's impact factor through reliable sources like Journal Citation Reports.

Read Recent Journal Articles

• Assess the quality of articles published in the journal.

• Contact authors for their experience with the journal’s editorial process and publication timeline.

Check Membership and Affiliations

• Verify if the journal is a member of industry associations that enforce quality and ethical standards.

Understand Your Rights as an Author

• Review the journal’s copyright policy and what rights you retain as an author.

• Consider using the SPARC author addendum to negotiate copyright terms.

Final Review and Decision

• Use the “Think, Check, Submit” checklist to make a final assessment.

• Discuss your choices with colleagues or mentors for additional insights.