You probably already know some key journals in your field. However, you may be unaware of other good journals, especially emerging titles. And when you expand into a new area of research, familiar journals may not your best options.
The tools below can help you discover journals and compare their characteristics with your manuscript and goals:
When details are lacking, don't be afraid to contact a journal's editor.
Start by searching for articles on similar topics, find out where they are published, and THEN look up those journals to compare their characteristics to your goals.
This approach is GENERALLY EASIER for early career researchers who may not yet be accustomed to thinking of their work in terms of top-level disciplinary categories and terms.
Use the sources in this box first, then move to the sources in the "Journal-First Approach" box.
Example: Searched for third language acquisition
Start by searching for journals in a field, compare their characteristics, and THEN read articles from recent issues to see if a journal is a good fit for your work.
This approach may be MORE EFFICIENT for more experienced researchers who are more familiar with thinking of their work in top-level disciplinary categories and terms and who may already be more familiar with an array of disciplinary journals.
Use the sources in this box first, then move to the sources in the "Article-First Approach" box.
This video (4:52) from the University of Houston Libraries covers the basics of searching and navigating Cabell's.
This video (3:49) from the University of Massachusetts Libraries provides a good overview of searching for journals and impact data / metrics in Cabell's.
This video (26:48) from Clarivate Analytics demonstrates the integrated use of Web of Science and JCR to inform manuscript submissions descisions.
These are options which use natural language matching and artificial intelligence to suggest journals. Try them out, but recognize that they lack human mediation.
Publisher-Neutral
Publisher-Specific
Newton Gresham Library | (936) 294-1614 | (866) NGL-INFO | Ask a Question | Share a Suggestion
Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas 77341 | (936) 294-1111 | (866) BEARKAT
© Copyright Sam Houston State University | All rights reserved. | A Member of The Texas State University System