Choosing the right journal: Lessons from my first submission as a lead author

Submitting my first paper felt like a big achievement. But it also came with a steep learning curve. Just a few days after I submitted my manuscript, I was loitering near the refreshments (fancy term for free food) during a guest lecture. One of my thesis committee members pulled me aside and said something I will never forget: “Most papers you try to publish will get published eventually,” she said pausing. “But a fair peer review process has no guarantees.” 

Her words made me nervous.

“Get started,” she urged, suggesting I pick three or four journals and dig into their submission guidelines. That brief conversation stuck with me, perhaps because it stirred a little anxiety. After all, emotional moments tend to leave a mark.

Over time, her advice proved invaluable. As I navigated rejections, resubmissions, and the maze of journal requirements, I realized how important it is to choose the right journal. It’s not just about getting published but about getting their faster with fewer bruising blows to your ego.

Why journal selection matters

Choosing the right journal can boost your chances of acceptance and reduce the time spent in resubmission cycles.

• Match your study’s scope and audience to the target journal’s focus. If your work uses one or two techniques and answers a narrow question, aim for respected, field-specific journals (e.g., Journal of Molecular Biology, Journal of Neuroscience). For broader, interdisciplinary studies, especially multi-lab or multi-method projects, consider higher-impact journals like Nature Communications or general science outlets like Nature or Science. 
• There is a trade-off to keep in mind:

-- Submitting to a top-tier journal might sound ideal and will likely bring prestige and grants to your lab, but it often comes with longer review times and higher rejection rates. 

-- The average time from submission to publication in biomedical journals can range from 3 months to nearly 2 years (doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1905622). Choose strategically.

Tips for choosing the right journal for your manuscript

Over time, I’ve developed a clearer sense of what works. Here are some practical tips for selecting a journal that fits your paper:

1. Always read the Aims and Scope of your target journal

A recent study (doi.org/10.1016/j.commtr.2024.100129) found that 55% of desk rejections were due to issues related to topic and scope. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Most journals clearly state the type of work they accept and what they don’t. Even a quick scan of recent articles and the “Aims and Scope” section can help you avoid mismatches and save valuable time. 

2. If unsure, make use of journal finder tools 

Did you know journal finder tools from academic and scholarly publishing houses like Elsevier (https://journalfinder.elsevier.com/), Wiley https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/search/advanced) and others can match your abstract to a suitable journals. Please remember that such tools are helpful but may not be foolproof. Always cross-check the journal’s scope.

 3. Match the article type

Not all journals accept case reports, methods papers, or brief communications. Some journal may have published them in past, but may have discontinued them (this happens quite often). Thus, make sure your article type is a fit to your target journal. A mismatch here can also lead to instant desk rejection, even if the topic is appropriate.

4. Factor in word count and structure

Abstracts are often limited to 150-250 words, and main text limits (e.g., 5,000 words) may exclude references or legends. Others may ask you to place Methods in a supplementary file. Check these early to avoid reformatting later.

5. Prepare for extra submission requirements

• Highlights: Mandatory in some journals.
• Graphical abstracts: Increasingly common, especially in life sciences.
• Reference formatting: Manual reformatting of references after desk rejection is painful, especially when you didn’t use a citation manager. Avoid the hassle by using a citation manager like EndNote or Zotero.

6. Prioritize language quality

For researchers whose first language is not English, polishing your manuscript before submission can make a big difference. Strong science is essential, but unclear writing can obscure your message and frustrate reviewers. Get feedback from a native-speaking colleague or use a professional editing service. While good writing doesn’t guarantee acceptance, poor language often leads to rejection or major revisions.

My bittersweet publication journey

After two gruelling rounds of peer review at our first choice journal, the paper was ultimately rejected. It stung but we moved fast and submitted to our second-choice journal, a specialized but respected mid-tier publication in the field. This time, it was accepted quickly. The lesson? Targeting the right journal can mean the difference between prolonged uncertainty and timely success.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right journal is not simply a matter of selecting a well-known name. It is a strategic decision that can significantly influence your chances of timely publication. If you are unsure where to begin, or if your manuscript needs refinement before submission, seeking professional support can be helpful.

Note: It is also important to consider a journal’s acceptance-to-publication timeline. A very long delay may indicate a heavy editorial workload or slow processing times, which can be associated with higher rejection rates. Evaluating these factors can help you select your target journal more effectively and strategically.