There are several "red flags" to be cautious about when it comes to finding a journal in which to publish your article. Below are some common signs of predatory publisher behavior.
Is the title trying to make you believe it is a journal or publisher with which you are already familiar?
Many predatory publishers create journal titles (and even publisher company names) that are intentionally similar to well respected journals or publishers.
A title might suggest that the journal is based in the United States or the United Kingdom, but in reality, the publisher might actually be based in India or China.
Are there typos, spelling and/or grammatical errors?
Are images distorted or fuzzy? Are images authorized to appear on the website?
Does the website include "About" information? If so, is the information provided sufficient?
Is the journal sponsored or produced by a well-known, and well-respected organization, association, or academic institution?
Does the journal/publisher claim to be a "leading publisher" or use boastful language regarding their reputation? Some predatory publishers make boastful claims about their reputation, even if they are a startup or a new publisher.
Is full contact information including a physical address, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses provided? Be wary of journals that only provide a web contact form.
Does the journal list the members of its editorial board on their website?
Predatory journals include the names of leading scholars in a field among their editorial boards without their knowledge or consent.
Contact journal editors and board members and ask about their experience with the journals. Editorial board members of legitimate journals welcome questions from potential authors.
What type of metrics does the journal use? Can these be verified?
Do other reputable journals use the same metrics? Many predatory publishers use fake or invented metrics to fool you into believing they are a credible journal.
Does the journal promote the questionable Index Copernicus Value?
What is the journal's peer review process? Is this process clearly explained on the journal's website? Can you verify that this process is actually followed?
Does the journal promise a quick peer-review?
Be wary of promises of a speedy peer-review process. Proper peer-review is a time consuming process. Promises of a speedy peer-review process in an indication that either no peer-review is taking place, or the peer-review that is happening is of low quality.
Many predatory journals claim to have a rigorous peer review process when no peer review actually exists.
Are published articles available? Some predatory publishers don't have any "published" articles available on their website.
Have numerous articles been published by the same author(s)?
Do article titles and abstracts seem appropriate for the journal? Do these articles seem well researched? Are articles based on sound science?
Do you recognize articles that you have seen in reputable journals?
Predatory publishers sometimes re-publish (plagiarize) papers that have already been published in other journals without providing credit, claiming the publication as their own.
Are published articles written by academics and experts?
Predatory publishers publish papers that are not written by academics, or that are pseudo-science.
Feel free to contact past authors and ask about their experiences with the journal.
