Predatory publishers
Not all open access journals are of the same quality. This page tells you how to recognise reliable publishers and predatory publishers. If in doubt, please contact the library.
Predatory publishers
Predatory publishers charge publication fees (APCs) without providing editorial services or applying peer reviews. Or, they don't provide their services properly, which can lead to a delay the publication process.
It can be difficult to spot predatory publishers. Lists of predatory journals are not always correct (anymore). Like those on openaccessjournal.com, or Beall's list. Cabell's Predatory Reports gives a more reliable overview, but is only accessible for a fee.
Reliable publishers
Reliable magazines meet strict quality criteria. You recognise reliable publishers in several ways:
- The publisher appears in one of these databases:
- The publisher is a member of COPE or OASPA. Check this on the COPE or OASPA website itself, not on the publisher's website.
- You know someone on the editorial board of the journal. Get in touch and ask if they are indeed an editor and if the journal has good peer reviews.
- You know one of the authors of recent articles. Contact that and ask about experiences and peer reviews.
In doubt?
- Consult the 'Think Check Submit' tool;
- contact the library;
- or consider publication in another journal.
More information
On the SciRev website, researchers share their experiences with journals and you can leave your own experience.