How to Select the Correct Journal for a Scientific Manuscript Publication

Publishing a scientific manuscript is not just about strong data and clear writing, it is also about choosing the right journal. Submitting to a poorly matched journal often leads to unnecessary delays, desk rejections, and missed opportunities for impact and visibility.

At Rockwood Medical Writing Agency, we support researchers, clinicians, and life science organisations in navigating the complexities of scientific publishing. One of the most common and consequential questions we encounter is: Which journal should I choose?

Below, we outline a structured approach to journal selection that balances visibility, relevance, and likelihood of acceptance.

1. Define Your Target Audience for your Scientific Manuscript

Before considering impact factor or indexing, consider who should read your research.

• Is your study clinically focused or preclinical?

• Are you targeting specialists or a broader medical/scientific readership?

• Do you want to reach practitioners, researchers, policy-makers, or industry?

Understanding your audience helps narrow the field to journals that cater to their interests and level of expertise.

2. Assess Journal Scope and Relevance

Most journals define their scope clearly on their website. Before submitting, review:

• Aims and scope: Does your manuscript fall within the journal’s subject areas?

• Types of articles accepted: Are they currently publishing original research, reviews, case studies, or brief reports in your area?

• Recently published papers: Do they reflect a similar methodological approach or topic?

If your manuscript feels out of place, it probably is, and may be rejected before peer review.

3. Consider Journal Visibility and Indexing

Publication is not the final step—dissemination is. Choose journals that ensure your work is:

• Indexed in key databases: e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science

• Accessible to your peers (through subscriptions, open access, or institutional repositories)

• Cited: Check citation metrics such as impact factor, CiteScore, or Altmetrics depending on your goals

A lower-impact but well-read specialist journal may be a better fit than a top-tier journal outside your field.

4. Balance Speed, Cost, and Accessibility

Consider practical aspects of publication:

Factor	Questions to Ask
Time to decision	Is rapid publication important for funding, job apps, or impact?
Open access	Are you required to publish OA? What are the article fees?
Publication charges	Does the journal charge APCs (Article Processing Charges)?
Copyright/licensing	Will you retain rights to share or archive your work?

If time or funding is limited, these factors may help narrow your shortlist.

5. Evaluate Editorial and Peer Review Standards

Reputable journals have clear, transparent peer review policies. Look for:

• Review timelines and reviewer engagement

• Editorial board members with relevant expertise

• Clear author instructions for formatting, ethics, and disclosures

Be wary of journals with vague editorial practices, unusually fast acceptance times, or aggressive solicitation.

6. Use Tools to Help with Selection

There are several free and paid tools that help match your manuscript to suitable journals:

• Journal Finder (Elsevier)

• Journal Suggester (Springer Nature)

• JANE (Journal/Author Name Estimator)

• Web of Science Master Journal List

• Think. Check. Submit. (for journal legitimacy)

Paste your abstract into these platforms to receive data-driven suggestions—but always verify suitability manually.

7. Shortlist and Rank

Once you have 3–5 target journals, assess them side-by-side for:

• Relevance

• Readership

• Acceptance rate

• Review timelines

• Formatting burden

• Cost

Identify a first-choice journal and at least one backup to avoid delays if rejected.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right journal is as much about strategy as it is about science. An informed decision improves your chances of acceptance, maximises your work’s reach, and avoids unnecessary rework.

At Rockwood Medical Writing Agency, we assist clients in developing a publication plan tailored to their manuscript’s goals, identifying target journals, adapting structure and style, and preparing submission-ready content that aligns with editorial expectations.

If you are preparing a manuscript and unsure where to submit, contact us today. We are here to help guide your research into the right hands and onto the right page.