How to choose the most suitable journal for submission?

Journal selection requires systematic evaluation of manuscript-journal alignment. It is feasible through structured comparison of research scope, journal standards, and author requirements. Key principles include matching the manuscript's subject area, methodology, and contribution significance to the journal's stated aims and scope. Evaluate the journal's target audience, impact factor or quartile ranking, acceptance rates, publication speed, and open access policies. Consider editorial board expertise and ethical publishing practices. Crucifically, meticulously review author guidelines for formatting, length restrictions, and specific focus areas. Ensure the journal is reputable and indexed in relevant databases for maximum visibility. The practical implementation involves several sequential steps. First, identify journals publishing similar research using database searches and literature review. Second, assess alignment by thoroughly reading each candidate journal’s scope, recent articles, and author instructions. Third, evaluate practical aspects like publication timelines and fees against your priorities. Finally, verify indexing and journal reputation before submitting. This process maximizes chances of acceptance and ensures dissemination to the intended academic audience, enhancing research impact.