February 22, 2021
Available at https://www.rethe.org/blog/how-do-i-select-a-journal
Selecting where to publish your work is a very important step in the publication process. I use a 3-tier process in choosing a “home” for my manuscripts.
TIER 1, PENTHOUSE LEVEL: THIS IS YOUR DREAM JOURNAL.
It has all the amenities - high impact factor, thousands of citations, well renowned in your field.
Action: Select at least 2 journals in this level to submit your paper to. Know that it likely will not be published, but at least you can try. Usually these journals come with a high price. Find out if you qualify for a waiver. The rejection rates are high for these journals. They are very competitive.
TIER 2, SUBURBAN LEVEL: THIS IS THE MIDDLE LEVEL.
Here you will be comfortable publishing your paper and still be well regarded.
Action: Select at least 3 journals in this level to submit your paper to. This is the safe zone. You want to get published here and should do your very best to get published (which is why you select at least 3 journals to publish here). Again, see if there are waivers for fees that you may qualify for.
TIER 3, HOMELESS SHELTER LEVEL: THIS IS THE LEVEL YOU REACH WHEN YOU HAVE EXHAUSTED ALL OTHER OPTIONS AT TIERS 1 & 2.
The journals at Tier 3 usually may not have a high impact factor or get several publications or be that well renowned but look at the bright side; your chances of getting published are much higher than the other 2 Tiers. Your paper can still get rejected at this level so it is important to still work hard to get it published.
Action: Select at least 2 journals to submit your work to. Make sure the journals are not predatory journals. Search PubMed or contact your librarian to make sure the journal is indexed. See if there are waivers for fees that you may qualify for.
OTHER TIPS:
Take note of what journals you are referencing the most while you write. These journals have your target readers.
Your ranking of which journal goes to Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 should consider:
The journal’s impact factor
The journal’s citation statistics
The journal’s fees
Your other preferences such as, the review turnaround time.
Don’t forget: Every manuscript has a home. Keep pushing!
