Finding the best place for your journal article can be difficult. It is always best to do your homework and compare journals to make sure that you are submitting your precious manuscript to a reputable journal
Once you've chosen the best place for your manuscript, make sure you take the time to do some basic checks on the quality and reputation of the journal and publisher. A reputable publisher/journal will offer a smooth submission system, clear charges, rigorous peer review and good production values. They will also help to make your outputs discoverable by other readers by including them in bibliographic databases.
Are you familiar with the journal?
Journal scope, peer review processes and copyright policies
Are you familiar with the publisher?
Is the publisher a member of recognised industry organisations?
Most reputable publishers will belong to initiatives and organisations related to publishing ethics and standards - here are a few to look out for
If the journal is a fully open access (OA) journal, also check for these specialist organisations:
Publication charges
If you are publishing in an open access journal, you will probably have to pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) but subscription journals may also impose page charges
If you are a researcher at University of Reading, you can find out how to apply for funding for publishing your work as open access on the Library's open access pages