Once a person has done the research and written a manuscript, one question arises: how to choose the right kind of journal.

A good journal does not essentially have to be a journal with a hefty publishing fee. However, one must know a few things about open access journals. For example, some good open access journals do not even charge processing fees, can provide certificates, support authors with proofreading, create graphics, and provide feedback on improving their manuscripts.

Firstly, it is important to avoid fake and predatory journals. These are two related terms, yet, different.

Before we look into details on how to identify good journals, remember to look at these important things. First, if any of these is absent, avoid publishing your articles in those journals, as they are either fake or predatory.

Three basic requirements every open access and ethical journal must fulfill are:

• Clearly state the address of the publisher
• Clearly stated phone number for a contact in case some questions arise. Additionally, if you have doubts, use contact forms to communicate with the publisher. Also, see if the editors' emails are available for further communication.
• Check if the ISSN is genuine. https://portal.issn.org/
• Check if the publisher is providing DOI using Crossref or other reliable providers. Always check on the Crossref website to find out about the authenticity of the information.
• If a processing fee is applicable, ensure that the publisher is able to provide their banking details, apart from online payment processing. Authentic publishers will always have a bank account.

EIKI (European Institute of Knowledge and Innovation) provides all the information accurately, works transparently with authors, and ensures the highest ethical standards.

Learn to identify fake journals

Fake journals are often resembling some of the popular journals and have similar names, designs, and even domain names. Thus, authors may readily get confused. They might make bold claims regarding impact factors, indexing, and so on. However, checking them is quite challenging since they might appear to be indexed due to their similarity to prestigious journals. Thus, the devil is in the details. Check closely, and you will see that their address and domain do not entirely match what or who they are claiming to be.

Fake journals are fraudulent or deceptive publications that are designed to appear legitimate but are not. They may be created for various reasons, such as exploiting the open access publishing model for financial gain, boosting the perceived impact or reputation of a researcher or institution, or promoting a product or service.

To avoid fake journals, it's important to do your due diligence before submitting an article for publication. Look for signs that the journal may be fake, such as a lack of information about the editorial board or review process, or a high number of spam emails or solicitations. You can also check the journal's reputation by searching for reviews or by looking for inclusion in major databases like PubMed or Scopus.

Avoid predatory journals

Predatory journals are fraudulent or deceptive journals that are created to exploit the open access publishing model for financial gain. They often use tactics such as spamming researchers with false solicitations to submit articles, using fake or misleading information about the journal's editorial board or review process, and charging authors high fees to publish their articles without providing any real editorial or publishing services.

Predatory journals are a problem because they can undermine the credibility of the scientific enterprise and waste time and resources of researchers. They can also make it more difficult for legitimate, open access journals to gain credibility and support.

To avoid predatory journals, it's important to do your due diligence before submitting an article for publication. Look for signs that the journal may be predatory, such as a lack of information about the editorial board or review process, or a high number of spam emails or solicitations. You can also check the journal's reputation by searching for reviews or by looking for inclusion in major databases like PubMed or Scopus.

Why prefer open access journals?

• Increased visibility: Open access articles are freely available to anyone with an internet connection, which means they are more likely to be read and cited than articles that are only available through subscription-based journals.
• Greater impact: Open access articles are more likely to be used by researchers and practitioners in their work, which can lead to a greater impact on the research being published.
• Speed of publication: Many open access journals have a faster review and publication process than traditional journals, which means that research can be made available to the public more quickly.
• Cost savings: Publishing in open access journals can save researchers money on article processing charges and the cost of subscribing to subscription-based journals.
• Compliance with funding requirements: Some funders, such as the NIH, require the research they fund to be made openly available. Publishing in open access journals can help researchers comply with these requirements.

How to choose good open access journals?

There are several ways to find good open access journals:

• Use a directory or database: There are several directories and databases that list open access journals, such as the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), JURN, and the Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA). These can be good resources for finding open access journals in specific subject areas.
• Check the journal's reputation: Before submitting your article to an open access journal, it's important to check the journal's reputation. Look for information about the journal's editorial board, review process, and publication standards. You can also check if the journal is indexed in major databases like PubMed or Scopus.
• Look for a Creative Commons license: Many open access journals use Creative Commons licenses to make it clear how their articles can be used. These licenses can help you understand the rights you have as an author, as well as the rights of others to use and share your work.
• Consider the journal's business model: Some open access journals are funded by author fees, while others are funded through institutional or philanthropic support. It's important to understand the business model of the journal you are considering, as this can affect the sustainability of the journal and the long-term accessibility of your work.

If you have any queries, you can call us, write using the contact form, or directly drop an email to one of the journal editors.