A Guide to Key Terms in Journal Publishing

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Introduction

In the vast ocean of academic knowledge, scholarly journals serve as lighthouses, guiding researchers through the tumultuous waves of information. Understanding key terms in journal publishing is essential for academics, students, and anyone interested in staying afloat in the sea of research. In this post, we will delve into three crucial concepts: peer review, impact factor, and open access.

Peer Review: The Guardian of Quality

Peer review is the cornerstone of scholarly publishing. Before an article is accepted for publication in a journal, it undergoes a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the field. These experts, known as peers, assess the manuscript’s quality, validity, and originality. These individuals essentially act as gatekeepers, ensuring that only high-quality research reaches the academic community.

The peer-review process typically involves multiple rounds of evaluation. Authors submit their manuscripts to a journal, and the editor assigns the paper to qualified reviewers. These reviewers scrutinize the research methodology, data analysis, and conclusions. They provide constructive feedback and recommendations to the authors where needed, which helps to improve the paper’s overall quality.

While peer review is a cornerstone of scholarly integrity, it is not without challenges. For example, the process can be time-consuming and subjective. However, the benefits of peer review, such as filtering out unreliable research and maintaining academic standards, far outweigh the drawbacks.

Impact Factor: A Metric for Journal Prestige

The impact factor is a quantitative measure of a journal’s influence within the academic community. Calculated annually (with several updates having been made to the ranking process for 2024), the impact factor reflects the average number of citations received by articles published in a journal over a specific period. Journals with higher impact factors are often considered more prestigious and influential in their respective fields.

Authors often aspire to publish their work in journals with high impact factors, as this can enhance the visibility and credibility of their research. However, impact factors should not be the sole criterion for evaluating the quality of a journal or its articles; it represents just one of many factors to consider, and its significance may vary across disciplines.

Open Access: Breaking Down Paywalls

In recent years, the concept of open access has gained momentum in the world of scholarly publishing. Open-access journals make research freely available to the public, eliminating traditional subscription barriers. This model promotes the democratization of knowledge, allowing a broader audience to access and engage with scholarly content.

While open access has numerous advantages, including increased visibility and accessibility, it also poses financial challenges for publishers. Finding sustainable funding models that balance the need for open access with the costs of publication remains a critical issue in the academic publishing landscape.

Conclusion

Navigating the intricate waters of journal publishing requires a solid understanding of key terms such as peer review, impact factor, and open access. Peer review ensures the reliability and quality of published research, while the impact factor provides a quantitative measure of a journal’s prestige. Finally, embracing open access enhances the dissemination of knowledge but presents financial challenges for publishers.

As we continue to sail through the ever-evolving ocean of scholarly communication, staying informed about these key terms empowers researchers and readers alike. By understanding the intricacies of journal publishing, we can contribute to a more transparent, accessible, and robust academic ecosystem.

Navigating Success: The Crucial Role of Networking in Academia

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In the dynamic realm of academia, where knowledge and ideas flourish, networking is a cornerstone of professional development. Beyond the lecture halls and research laboratories, connecting with peers, mentors, and experts holds immense value. This post highlights just some of the reasons why networking is vital, and how it can shape not only your academic journey but also your future career.

Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

Networking in the academic world entails more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about exchanging ideas, perspectives, and insights. Engaging with fellow scholars, attending conferences, and participating in seminars open doors to diverse viewpoints, sparking intellectual discourse that can drive innovation and breakthroughs in your field. Collaborative research projects often spring from chance encounters, leading to interdisciplinary solutions that may not have been possible in isolation.

Mentorship and Guidance

Navigating academia can be complex, especially for those just starting out. Establishing connections with experienced individuals can provide a channel for invaluable guidance. Mentors offer insights on research methodologies, publication strategies, and career choices, helping you make informed decisions. Their mentorship can significantly impact your academic trajectory, accelerating your learning curve and personal growth.

Access to Resources

Networking extends beyond human connections; it grants access to resources that can bolster your academic pursuits. Through networking, you might gain access to exclusive research databases, funding opportunities, specialized workshops, and cutting-edge technologies. Collaborative projects can also result in shared access to equipment, reducing the financial burden on individual researchers.

Exposure to Different Perspectives

Academia thrives on diversity—of ideas, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds. Networking exposes you to scholars from around the world, enriching your understanding of various viewpoints. This exposure fosters cultural competence and equips you to address global challenges through a well-rounded lens.

Conference and Seminar Participation

Conferences and seminars are hubs of intellectual exchange, drawing experts and enthusiasts from various fields. Participating in these events not only allows you to present your research but also offers opportunities to engage in discussions, receive feedback, and forge connections with fellow attendees. These interactions can result in collaborations, joint publications, and lasting friendships.

Career Advancement

Networking is a powerful catalyst for career progression. Well-connected academics are often able to stay abreast of job openings, research positions, and funding opportunities that have not been widely advertised. Personal recommendations from within your network can carry significant weight in selection processes. Additionally, building a reputable online presence through platforms such as LinkedIn can enhance your visibility and attract potential employers or collaborators.

Staying Abreast of Trends

Academic disciplines are in constant flux, with new research, methodologies, and technologies emerging regularly. Networking keeps you up to date with the latest trends and advancements. By engaging in conversations with experts, you can gain insights into emerging research areas, technological innovations, and novel approaches that could influence your work.

Final Thoughts

Networking in academia is more than a social activity; it’s a strategic investment in your personal and professional growth. By fostering connections with peers, mentors, and experts, you open doors to collaboration, mentorship, and resource-sharing that can shape the trajectory of your academic journey. The benefits of networking extend beyond the academic realm, positively influencing your career prospects and enriching your understanding of the broader intellectual landscape. So, as you navigate the world of academia, remember that the bridges you build today can lead to the discoveries and opportunities of tomorrow.

A Crash Course in APA Style: Getting to Know the Basics

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The style of the American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the most widely used across academia, particularly in the social sciences, psychology, education, and related fields. Many top-ranked business and management journals also use APA. The style covers citation and referencing; paper structure; formatting of headings, tables, and other document elements; and so on. This blog post outlines the key elements of APA style—though it should be noted that many journals (e.g., those published by the Academy of Management) use their own style based on APA.

The Basics of APA Style

  1. Title Page: The title page includes—you guessed it—the title of the paper, the author name(s), the institutional affiliation, and a running head. The running head is a short version of the paper’s title and is also included on each subsequent pages in the header section of the document.
  2. Abstract: The abstract summarizes the paper’s main points, including the research objectives, methodology or approach, results, and conclusions. It typically ranges from 100 to 250 words.
  3. In-text citations: APA style uses an author–date citation system. This means that when sources are cited within the text, the author’s last name and the publication year are included in parentheses—for example, “(Smith, 2023)” or “Smith (2023)” (depending on the sentence structure). Page numbers should also be included when using a direct quotation—so “(Smith, 2020, p. 45).”
  4. References: The reference list should include all sources cited in the paper (and none that are not directly cited). The information to be included varies according to the publication type, but, broadly speaking, each entry includes the author’s name, publication year, title, and publication information (e.g., journal title, and volume, issue, and page numbers for journal entries; or publisher for books). The reference page is organized alphabetically by the author’s last name.
  5. Headings: APA style employs a hierarchical system of headings to organize content, ranging from level 1 (main section headings) to level 5 (subheadings). This aids in presenting a clear structure and enhancing the readability of the document.
  6. Font and formatting: APA recommends using a clear and legible font, such as Times New Roman, with 12 pt. font size. Double-spacing should be used throughout the paper, including the title page, abstract, main text, and references.

Why APA Style Matters

Consistency: APA provides a standardized format for citations and references, ensuring that your sources are attributed correctly and uniformly. It also provide recommendations on spellings and word presentation (e.g., use of hyphens, capitalization). This consistency lends credibility to your work, allows readers to easily locate and verify the sources you’ve used, and ensures your work conforms to academic standards.

Clarity: The structured organization of APA style, including headings and subheadings, enhances the clarity of your writing. It helps readers follow your arguments and navigate through complex topics.

Academic integrity: Properly citing sources is a matter of academic integrity. APA style emphasizes giving credit to the original authors and researchers, preventing plagiarism and upholding ethical writing practices. APA also provide recommendations on language use (e.g., avoiding the use of “minorities” to describe people of color and other underrepresented groups), which can help you avoid using outdated terminology.

Professionalism: When you apply APA style to your writing, you demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and scholarly rigor. This is especially important in academic and professional contexts where adherence to standards is highly valued.

Mastering the intricacies of APA style is a valuable skill for any writer engaged in academic or research-oriented work. It is used by some of the highest-ranked journals, and its guidelines provide a structure that promotes clarity, consistency, and proper attribution of sources.

And remember, if you’re in any doubt, we can help. Our editors are experts in applying APA style in particular, and are up to date on all the changes brought in with the seventh edition. Plus, application of style guidelines is included in all orders—just provide the name of your journal or a relevant link or style document when you send your work over, and we’ll make sure your work is compliant.

The Benefits and Challenges of Pursuing a Postgraduate Degree

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Pursuing a postgraduate degree can provide a wealth of opportunity for personal and professional growth. However, as with any major undertaking, it also comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we explore some of the advantages and difficulties of earning a postgraduate degree, as well as some practical ways to navigate them.

One of the primary benefits of pursuing a postgraduate degree is the ability to specialize in a specific field or area of study. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of a subject you’re already passionate about or to transition to a new career, a postgraduate program can provide the necessary skills and expertise to excel.

Another advantage is the potential for career advancement. Many employers view advanced degrees positively, and earning a postgraduate degree can open doors to leadership positions within your industry or new opportunities within your current organization. Additionally, a postgraduate degree often leads to increased earning potential, since those who hold postgraduate degrees tend to earn more than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree.

However, there are also challenges to consider. One of the most significant is the cost of tuition. Postgraduate programs can be costly and the financial burden can be prohibitive. But there are options, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans, to help finance your education. It’s well worth researching the financial programs that are offered not just by the institution but in your local area—for instance, grants are often available at the state or county level.

Another challenge is the time commitment. Postgraduate programs can be demanding and require a significant investment of time and effort. This can be particularly difficult for students balancing full-time jobs or other responsibilities.

To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to have a clear plan and the determination to see that plan through. This starts with research—on institutions, programs, tuition costs, financial assistance, and so on. Once you start the program it can be beneficial to set aside dedicated study time, organize your coursework well, and seek out support when needed. You can also consider flexible program options such as online or part-time courses to better accommodate your schedule.

It’s worth remembering that the benefits of a postgraduate degree can far outweigh the difficulties. Advanced education can open up new opportunities and provide the skills and expertise needed to succeed in your chosen field. With a well-considered plan and steadfast resolve, you can overcome the challenges and achieve your goals.

Navigating the Graduate School Admissions Process: Tips and Strategies for Success

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Graduate school can be a great opportunity to further your education and pursue your passions, but the admissions process can be intimidating. There are many factors that go into a successful application, and it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we will discuss some tips and strategies for navigating the graduate school admissions process and increasing your chances of being accepted.

Do your research

First, it is important to carefully research and choose the right graduate program for you. Look for programs that align with your academic and career goals, and consider factors such as location, cost, and program reputation. It can also be helpful to speak with current students or alumni to get a sense of what the program, teaching staff, and institution are like.

Check you qualify

Once you have identified a few programs that interest you, make sure you meet the admissions requirements. This includes having a strong academic background, with acceptable grades and test scores. Many programs also require letters of recommendation, so start thinking early on in the process about who you will ask. Additionally, a personal statement or writing sample might be required; these will probably go through several drafts, plus a proofreading stage, so it is important to start working on these materials as soon as possible.

Get organized

This will be a lengthy process, with many moving parts, so it’s vital to be organized. For example, consider creating a calendar or timeline to keep track of deadlines and to-do items, along with a checklist of each stage, its components and required materials. It can also be helpful to keep all of your application materials in one place, so you can easily access them when needed.

Complete your application—carefully

When filling out your application, pay attention to the details. Make sure to complete all necessary forms and include all required materials, such as transcripts and test scores, and don’t include anything that hasn’t been expressly requested. A checklist can again be helpful here to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything. It is also a good idea to have someone proofread your entire application to catch any mistakes or typos.

In addition to your application materials, the admissions committee will consider your extracurricular activities and work experience. Be sure to highlight any relevant experiences, such as internships or volunteer work, and consider how they have prepared you for graduate school.

Prep for the interview

Another important factor in the admissions process is the interview. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it is also an opportunity to show the admissions committee who you are and why you are a strong candidate. Be prepared to talk about your academic and professional goals, as well as your relevant experience and personal interests. It’s also a good idea to create a list of questions to ask the interviewer, since this shows that you are engaged and interested in the program.

For more information on the topic, check out the following websites:

https://hireacane.miami.edu/options/grad-programs/index.html
https://www.gradschools.com/
https://www.princetonreview.com/grad-school-advice

How to Choose the Right Topic for Your Dissertation

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For a PhD candidate, little is more daunting than choosing a topic for your dissertation. After all, it will shape the kind of research you’ll be doing over the next four-plus years of your life. And not only will your dissertation take up a lot of time and energy—it may also have a strong influence on whether you get hired down the road.

Choosing the right dissertation topic is vital to get the most of your PhD experience and to best serve your career. Here are five steps to ensure you’re on the right track.

1. Make sure the topic matches your career goals

No matter how well-crafted and compelling your dissertation is, it’s going to be of little value to you it doesn’t match up with your career goals. Make sure that you choose a topic that you want to continue researching in the future and that’s within the field you want to teach.

It’s also not a bad idea to tailor your topic to the market. Ideally, you’ll be defending your dissertation with plenty of prestigious journal publications under your belt already––plus, focusing on a current, relevant topic will make it easier to find grants to fund your research throughout your PhD and beyond.

2. Choose a topic that’s just right

Many PhD candidates struggle with fine-tuning the scope of their dissertation topic. It should be neither too broad nor too narrow, but just right––a tricky balance to strike. Most often, academics fall into this trap of either broadness or narrowness: while some fail to pinpoint a specific topic and end up floundering in the vastness of their research, others overcorrect, narrowing down their focus until they’ve missed the big picture altogether.

While your topic certainly needs to be specific, remember that a robust dissertation subject also needs a bit of breathing room and some space for growth and flexibility. This is especially true in the early stages of researching and writing, when your topic is still liable to fluctuate and change.

3. Double-check that the research is feasible

Before you commit to a research topic, it’s important to ensure that it’s actually feasible in terms of budget, resources, and scope. How many research participants can you really expect to find? Does your budget better accommodate quantitative or qualitative data? Given your time constraints, does it make sense to conduct a longitudinal study, or would a cross-sectional study be more practical? Will you have the resources to travel, or should you keep it local? Don’t set your heart on a project that simply won’t be possible to execute.

You also need to be realistic about your own knowledge and expertise, since you’re not going to have time to learn a new skill on the job. For example, you may be itching to study Medieval manuscripts in your dissertation––but if you aren’t fluent in Middle English, you should likely consider a different field of study. 

4. Listen to your supervisor’s advice

Your supervisor is an invaluable resource when choosing your PhD topic. Not only can they give you useful tips about the job market and resources available in your field, they can also help you assess where your topic stands with respect to the three items above (career, scope, and feasibility).

Even if you don’t like what your supervisor has to say, it’s a good idea to hear them out. Chances are they’ve seen a lot of dissertations in their time and know what separates the success stories from the flops.

5. Study something you’re genuinely interested in

While choosing a dissertation topic can be stressful, the good news is that if you do it right, you can spend four-plus years studying what you genuinely love.

In fact, not only can you choose a topic you’re passionate about, it’s actually in your best interests to do exactly that. After all, if you truly care about your work, you’re more likely to go above and beyond to ensure that it’s thoroughly researched, clearly communicated, and carefully polished––and, ultimately, to produce a successful dissertation.

Making the Transition: How to Move from PhD to Professor

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Academics are used to hearing horror stories about their career prospects: that the job market is oversaturated, that the majority of available roles are adjunct positions, that only one in five PhD graduates will actually end up working as university professors. But what distinguishes a successful from a failed academic? And how can you set yourself apart from other qualified applicants and land that coveted position?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee success in this field, and different studies have reported conflicting results. That being said, you can safely bet that having a number of first-author publications under your belt, as well as a strong teaching and research record, will be a major help when it comes to getting the job.

The good news is that once you receive that first faculty job offer, it becomes much easier to get hired again. With that in mind, read on for some insights into landing that first position.

“Publish or perish”

It’s true what they say––one of the most consistent indicators of career success is a robust portfolio of published academic work. While many PhD candidates struggle to publish while working on their dissertation, it’s imperative to do it now, rather than wait. According to an article in The Conversation, the number of publications you rack up before graduating has proven a better predictor of your career success than even the prestige of your institution.

Write clearly and simply

Nothing demonstrates a lack of professionalism like typos and grammatical mistakes. Be sure to closely edit your documents for the “three C’s”: correctness, clarity, and consistency. Ask trusted peers or your supervisor to look over your written materials and point out any errors, flawed logic, or weak wording. Utilizing a professional copy-editing service can be a wise investment here, since even the most seasoned writer can become blind to their own language mistakes or inconsistencies.

On that note, be sure also to write as simply and clearly as possible. Many academics believe that the search committee will be experts in their field, but this isn’t necessarily true. When possible, avoid jargon and always keep your work easy to understand. Don’t muddle your meaning for the sake of sounding more “academic”—in fact, the best way to show off your writing chops is by using simple, concise language.

Know why you’re the right candidate  

This goes beyond having an impressive CV and well-written application documents. Hiring decisions are often based on whether you’re a “good fit” for a particular role and for the institution more broadly. So do your research: know what they’re looking for––whether a particular line of research, or a skilled teacher with a strong personality––and be ready to convince them that you’re the person who can offer it to them.

Ultimately, remember that they’re not hiring out of the goodness of their hearts. This is about their needs, not your interests.

Get comfortable with rejection

Perhaps your application package was stellar and the position was seemingly tailor-made for you. The hard truth is that you still might not get the job. Academia is a competitive field, and there are plenty of other overqualified candidates vying for every open position. You’ll need to get comfortable with rejection and continue to vouch for your abilities regardless. After all, being rejected doesn’t mean you’re not qualified––it’s a normal part of the academic journey!

 

If you’re getting tired of rejections, however, you might consider taking on a post-doc position. This will help you make some money in your field while you wait for a professorial gig to pan out. Plus, it will strengthen your CV and sharpen your research skills.

Five Tips for Choosing an Academic Advisor

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When starting your PhD program, you may feel so overwhelmed with the stresses of researching, taking classes, teaching, and drafting your dissertation proposal that you don’t spend much time thinking about who to choose as an academic advisor. This is a mistake: along with your dissertation topic, your academic advisor can be one of the most significant choices you make during the program and can significantly affect the success of your PhD.

Your academic advisor serves plenty of useful functions: they help you secure funding, give feedback on your writing and research, support and vouch for your work, and offer invaluable advice for your career going forward. Here are five tips to help you when selecting an academic advisor.

1. Ask other professors for guidance

If you’re not sure where to begin when choosing an academic advisor, make an appointment with your program director or another trusted professor in the program. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of viable academic advisors conducting research in your field, and will have helpful insider knowledge on the professor’s work and communication habits. Plus, they might be willing to warn you of any red flags––for example, if a certain professor’s PhD students have a high dropout rate––and steer you in the right direction.

2. Bear in mind that the “best” professor isn’t always be the best advisor

Many students fall into the trap of assuming that the “best” professor––the hotshot bestselling author or public intellectual––will also be the best advisor. However, the opposite is often true.

Yes, studying under a professor with critical acclaim and status might help you get your foot in a few doors during the start of your career. But a high-profile advisor might not have enough time to properly support you in your work, leaving you directionless and waiting weeks for a reply. Ultimately, you’re probably better off with a more modest choice, one who offers something even better than a flashy name: their time.

3. Look to later-career professors where possible

 While assistant and adjunct professors can be just as smart and helpful as their tenured counterparts––not to mention that their research can be even more current and relevant––they are often not ideal as academic advisors. Professors with less secure positions often have more work on the go and less time to help you out. They will also likely have less access to resources and funding opportunities than their tenured peers, and their research interests will be less specialized.

On the other hand, a later-career professor will have the tools and experience to properly support you in your work. They’ll also likely be more willing to invest time in shaping your career, since they don’t need to worry so much about their own.

4. Get in touch

Once you’ve selected a potential advisor, don’t wait too long before getting in touch. Send a quick email to find out whether they currently have the capacity to take on more PhD students, as well as to ask about their ongoing research and confirm that it matches your own interests. That way, you’ll know right off the bat whether they’re a viable option, or if you should keep looking.

That being said, don’t be concerned if they don’t respond right away. Professors have busy schedules and are fielding mountains of emails, so be patient.

5. Meet in person

While email is sufficient for making initial contact with prospective academic advisors, once you’ve settled on one it’s time for an in-person meeting. After all, you’re going to have to work with this person for the next four-plus years, so you need to make sure you get along and are on the same page in terms of your research goals, vision, and timeline. It’s also important to ensure that your advisor is a good communicator, is willing to be flexible about scheduling and deadlines, and understands the importance of work–life balance.

Tips for Achieving a Healthy Work–Life Balance in Academia

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Like many do-what-you-love industries, academia leaves little room for free time. Between preparing lectures, teaching, researching, grading, emailing, writing, networking, and presenting at conferences, many academics feel lucky if they get a single afternoon off each week.

Things are even worse for part-time or adjunct academics, who may feel pressured into taking on more work than they can manage, and for female academics and people of color, who are often saddled with extra mental and emotional labour, such as planning office parties or leading unpaid diversity workshops.

Some of this is due to a toxic “workaholic” culture, in which academics take pride in being overworked and burnt out. However, many academics simply don’t have much agency over their predicament and feel forced to work themselves to the point of exhaustion just to keep the hope of a tenure track position somewhere on the horizon. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that a whopping 70 percent of U.S. academics regularly feel stressed and fatigued, according to a 2020 study by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Plus, this trend has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which introduced a whole new dimension of anxiety into academics’ lives.

As remote work becomes the norm and boundaries between the home and the office collapse, it’s become harder than ever to maintain a healthy work–life balance. However, academics can still cultivate fulfilling personal lives alongside their professional ones. Read on for some tips on how to achieve a healthy work–life balance in academia.

Say “no” as often as you can

Of course, many of your academic duties can’t be avoided––but some can. Take stock of which of your tasks are negotiable and consider saying “no” to these extra requests the next time they come up. This could mean choosing not to revise a paper for publication or give a talk at an upcoming conference.

Not sure which tasks to cut? Start with getting rid of tasks that seem small and easy. The key word here is “seem,” since in academia few tasks are truly as simple as they appear. These tasks tend to consume more of your time and mental resources than you accounted for––and, more often than not, they go uncompensated and underappreciated.

Only work the hours you’re paid for

Many academics report the feeling of “never quite being done” working. This is partly due to their flexible schedules, which can feel like more of a curse than a blessing when their work hours start bleeding into evenings and weekends.

A downside of flexibility is that you don’t have a set time when you log off and go home––so you might find yourself chipping away at a project well into the evening. This is especially true when you’re heavily invested in the end product, which you likely are when you’re working on your own research.

Instead, treat your schedule the same way a benevolent employer would: hold yourself to it, while allowing for moderate flexibility when other things come up. Start work when you say you’re going to––and end work according to this philosophy, too.

Take time to rest

Contrary to popular belief, taking breaks isn’t a sign of laziness¬¬––quite the opposite. In fact, taking time to rest could actually help you get more work done. Studies have shown that rest, including getting enough sleep and taking time for breaks, makes people more productive.

That being said, it’s important to rest in ways that will leave you feeling energized and ready to do more work. Scrolling through social media for half an hour, for example, might leave you feeling distracted and depleted, rather than ready to tackle a new task. Taking a walk, on the other hand, promotes creativity and divergent thinking, according to a Stanford University study.

In a Harvard Business Publishing article, Exequiel Hernandez urges academics to “maximize insight, not time.” Hernandez argues that instead of squeezing work into every spare second, which will likely lead to rushed, subpar results, academics should set aside blocks of time for focused, fruitful work. Basically, don’t work more––work better.

Cultivate hobbies outside of work

Finally, while academics are lucky to be doing what they love, it doesn’t mean that they can’t love other things, too. It’s important to take time to engage in leisure activities that have nothing to do with your professional life (which means that reading the latest academic articles in your field of study probably doesn’t count!).

Need another reason? Studies have found that having hobbies can lead to better performance on the job, too.

4 Tips for Spotting “Predatory” Scholarly Journals

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Over the last few decades there’s been a spike in predatory academic journals. These journals often accept every article submitted to them as long as the author can pay the exorbitant publication fee—which the journal takes without offering peer review or other services in exchange. The sole aim of predatory journals is to make a profit, which they do by preying on unsuspecting academics. As PhD programs grow increasingly competitive, students become easier targets; many are desperate for publication and will gratefully publish their work anywhere that will accept it.

Until recently, emerging scholars could deduce which journals were legitimate and which were scams using Beall’s List. Jeffrey Beall, a librarian at the University of Colorado, curated and maintained this list of predatory open-access publishers for nearly a decade before shutting it down in 2017 due to frequent complaints and defamation suits. Interested or concerned academics can still access an archived version of Beall’s List, but it is no longer being updated.

There remain many useful resources that can help guide academics toward reputable journals, such as the Directory of Open Access Journals. Here are four more tips on how to steer clear of predatory publications when trying to find a home for your paper.

 

1. Pricey publication fees

One of the quickest ways to spot a predatory journal is by its gratuitous publication fee. Predatory journals are more interested in taking your money than in publishing valuable information. While many journals do charge legitimate publication fees in order to keep articles open access or to fund expensive peer review and article preparation processes, journals that do not offer these services—meaning that they are not open-access or don’t review your work—charge this fee for the sole reason of making a profit. Journals that ask for unreasonably high publication fees are thus unlikely to be reputable.

Another red flag is if the journal requires you to pay a submission fee. Most journals that charge a publication fee only ask for this after your paper has been accepted, pending revision and peer review. If you have to pay just to submit a paper, it’s probably not worth the cost.

 

2. Unprofessional presentation

Usually, you can tell intuitively if an academic journal is a scam. You’re best off avoiding journals with clear grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistent formatting, as well as those with unprofessional websites. If the journal’s appearance isn’t up to par, chances are that its editorial standards fall short as well.

 

3. Unlisted or small editorial board

Avoid journals that obscure or omit information regarding their editorial board. Reputable scholarly journals should have a large editorial board composed of respected academics, as well as a transparent editing process. Moreover, you likely want to know who will be reviewing, editing, and overseeing the publication of your paper—after all, you worked hard on it. A reputable journal has nothing to hide, so if you can’t find any information on, say, a journal’s editor-in-chief, take that as a clear warning sign that it might not be a trustworthy publication.

 

4. Misleading location

Often, predatory journals deliberately mislead readers as to where they are based. For example, many such journals use words such as “American” or “international” in their titles to add a sense of prestige, even if their headquarters are not in America, or if they aren’t international publications. Check where the journal is based before you submit your work and ensure that their branding reflects their true location. Again, good journals should have nothing to hide.