Q. How can I check if a journal is credible?

Before submitting your manuscript, use the Think. Check. Submit. checklist to assess whether a journal is trustworthy and suitable.

Check whether the journal clearly explains: 

• Its aims and scope
• How its peer review process works
• Who serves as editor and on the editorial board
• Any Article Processing Charges (APCs)
• Its copyright and Creative Commons license terms
• Its publisher and contact details

You should also confirm any indexing or impact claims directly in the relevant database and review some of the journal's published articles. This can help you decide whether the content is credible, relevant, and within the journal's stated scope. 

A journal with limited information is not automatically predatory. It may be new, emerging, or still developing its publishing processes. However, limited transparency is a reason to investigate further before submitting.

Open access is a legitimate publishing model, and not all open access journals are predatory. As with any journal, it is important to check that the journal is transparent, peer reviewed, credible, and suitable for your research.

Further checks may be needed if the journal:

• Promises unusually fast publication
• Sends repeated or poorly targeted invitations
• Provides vague information about peer review
• Makes indexing or impact claims that cannot be confirmed
• Does not disclose fees until late in the submission process
• Provides unclear information about its publisher, contact details, copyright, or licensing

If you are unsure, do not submit your manuscript straight away. Work through the Think. Check. Submit. checklist and seek further advice before submitting or agreeing to pay any fees.