Estimating a Journal’s Submission, Peer Review, and Publication Speed — Ensuring a timely publication

Selecting the right journal is often a daunting task for researchers. Several factors play a role in journal selection. However, timely publication is one of the most crucial factor factors in selecting a journal for publishing one’s research. 

What is the Significance of Timely Publication in Academia?

Researchers often overlook the speed at which a journal operates from submission to publication embark while embarking on its publishing journey. Timely publication is significant in academia for several reasons:

1. It ensures the relevance of research.

2. It contributes to the rapid dissemination of knowledge, ensuring that the latest research reaches the academic community and beyond. 

3. It showcases the ability of a researcher to keep up with the growing competition within the academic job market. 

Introduction to Journal Metrics

Journal metrics can help researchers to estimate a journal's speed. These metrics include traditional citation metrics and speed metrics. Many journals provide these metrics on their websites, offering a transparent view of their efficiency in handling submissions. Each metric has limitations and they should not be considered in isolation. A combination of metrics provides a more rounded view. Consider qualitative aspects such as the journal's aim, scope, readership, and published material in addition to metrics.

Consider the following points before selecting a journal for your publication: 

1. Citation Metrics: 

Citation metrics quantify the influence and reach of a particular research paper, author, or journal by measuring the frequency with which it is cited in subsequent publications. Commonly used citation metrics include the h-index and impact factor.

2. Speed Metrics:

a. Time from Submission to First Decision: Indicates how long after submission it may take to receive a decision.

b. Submission to First Post-Review Decision: Considers peer-reviewed articles, indicating the time from submission to a decision.

c. Acceptance to Online Publication: Reflects the time from acceptance to online publication.

3. Acceptance Rate: The acceptance rate indicates the journal's selectivity based on submissions and publications. It refers to the percentage of submitted manuscripts that are accepted for publication after undergoing the peer review process. This rate is often considered a key metric in assessing the selectivity and competitiveness of a journal. Journals with lower acceptance rates are typically perceived as more selective, implying that they publish a smaller proportion of submitted manuscripts.

Factors Influencing Submission and Publication Timelines

Several factors can influence the time it takes for a paper to progress through the submission and publication pipeline. Journal policies, the complexity of the manuscript, the specific field of study, and niche areas with fewer peer reviewers can all impact the timeline. Researchers should be aware of these factors when estimating the speed of a journal's process.

Estimating Journal Timelines

Authors can employ various methods to estimate a journal's timelines:

1. Check Journal Website Metrics: Most journals publish their submission and publication metrics on their websites. Authors should thoroughly examine these metrics to understand the average time taken for each stage.

2. Track Dates from Acceptance to Publication: Analyse recently published papers in the chosen journal to determine the time from acceptance to actual publication.

3. Contact Authors: Communicate with authors who have previously published in the target journal to gather first-hand information about the publication timeline.

What can Authors Do if the Timelines Exceed Expectations?

1. Wait Patiently: While it may be challenging, authors must wait patiently before following up with the journal. The average time from submission to online publication is stated as usually three months and authors can reach out to the editor after one month after the period if the paper appears stuck in the system. 

2. Contact the Journal Editor: Communicating with the journal editor can help authors understand the reasons behind any delays and potentially expedite the process. The authors can highlight the time-sensitive nature of research projects and subtly stress the need for prompt publication of results. However, authors must acknowledge the busy schedule of the journal editors to facilitate a smooth conversation.

3. Withdrawal: In cases where the delay is extensive and unacceptable, authors may consider withdrawing their submission and exploring other suitable journals. Withdrawal can occur at various points, such as before review, during review, after receiving peer reviewers' comments, or even after provisional acceptance. However, authors must communicate effectively with the journal and must ensure that their reasons for withdrawal are legitimate. 

Estimating a journal's submission, peer review, and publication speed is a crucial aspect of the academic publishing journey. Understanding the complexities of academic publishing requires patience and proactive communication armed with the right knowledge can help researchers to confidently traverse through their publication journey.