# Think.Check.Submit. Explained ## Quick Answer - Think.Check.Submit. provides a practical checklist for evaluating whether a journal is trustworthy before you submit your research. - Apply the checklist by verifying the journal's identity, editorial board, peer review process, and fees against independent sources like the publisher's website and the [Committee on Publication Ethics Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices). - The checklist helps you spot predatory or deceptive journals, but it cannot guarantee a journal's quality, so you must also consult your institution's library and experienced colleagues. ## What Think.Check.Submit. Is and Why It Matters Think.Check.Submit. is an educational campaign that helps researchers identify trustworthy journals and publishers. It emerged from a collaboration among publishing organizations, research funders, and scholarly societies to address the growing problem of deceptive or predatory publishing practices. The campaign provides a simple checklist that walks you through the key questions you should ask before submitting your work. The core problem it solves is asymmetry of information. When you submit a manuscript, you are entering a professional relationship with a publisher. That publisher controls the peer review process, the publication record, and the distribution of your work. A deceptive publisher can take your manuscript, charge you fees, and provide none of the services you expect. The Think.Check.Submit. checklist gives you a structured way to verify that the publisher you are dealing with is legitimate. The checklist is organized into three phases. Think covers the questions you should ask yourself about the journal. Check covers the verification steps you should take to confirm the journal's claims. Submit covers the final steps before you send your manuscript. This structure is useful because it separates your own assessment from external verification. ## At a Glance | Checklist Phase | Primary Question | Key Verification Step | Red Flag to Watch For | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Think | Is the journal right for my research? | Review the journal's scope and aims against your manuscript's focus | Journal accepts papers far outside its stated subject area | | Check | Is the journal trustworthy? | Verify the publisher's identity and contact information on independent registries | No verifiable physical address or only a webmail contact | | Submit | Have I completed all requirements? | Confirm authorship, data sharing, and ethics policies before submission | Unclear or absent policies on authorship and conflicts of interest | ## The Think Phase: Evaluating Fit Before You Submit The first phase of the checklist asks you to consider whether the journal is appropriate for your research. This is not about trustworthiness alone. A legitimate journal can still be the wrong venue for your work. ### Does the Journal's Scope Match Your Research? Read the journal's aims and scope statement carefully. This statement should describe the subject areas the journal covers, the types of articles it publishes, and the audience it serves. Compare this statement against your manuscript's focus. If the journal publishes primarily clinical research and your paper is a laboratory methods study, the fit is poor regardless of the journal's reputation. Look for journals that have published articles similar to yours in topic and method. Recent issues are the best evidence of what the journal actually publishes. A journal that claims to cover a broad field but publishes only a narrow slice of that field may have a different editorial direction than its scope statement suggests. ### Who Reads the Journal? Consider the journal's intended audience. Journals serve different communities. Some target clinicians, others target basic scientists, and still others target policy makers or educators. Your work will have the most impact when it reaches the readers who can use it. The journal's editorial board can give you a sense of its community. Board members should be active researchers in the field, and their affiliations should be verifiable. ### What Is the Journal's Peer Review Model? Peer review is the quality control mechanism that protects the scholarly record. The [Committee on Publication Ethics Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) describe the expectations for peer review, including that journals should have clear policies for handling submissions and that reviewers should treat manuscripts confidentially. The journal should state whether it uses single-blind, double-blind, or open peer review. It should also describe how long the review process typically takes. Be cautious of journals that promise rapid publication without describing their review process. Legitimate journals can be efficient, but they do not skip peer review. ## The Check Phase: Verifying the Journal's Claims The second phase of the checklist is where you move from your own assessment to external verification. This is the most important part of the process because it protects you from deceptive publishers. ### Verify the Publisher's Identity Start with the journal's website. Look for a publisher name, a physical address, and contact information. A legitimate publisher will have a verifiable presence. Cross-check the publisher's name against independent sources. The [National Library of Medicine bookshelf](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books) provides access to authoritative biomedical references that can help you understand the publishing landscape in your field. Search for the journal's name along with words like "predatory" or "scam" to see if other researchers have reported problems. Also search for the journal's name in scholarly discussion forums and mailing lists. Experienced researchers often share warnings about deceptive journals. ### Check the Editorial Board The editorial board should consist of researchers who are active in the field. Look up the board members' affiliations and publication records. A board member who is listed with an incorrect affiliation or who has no verifiable publication record is a warning sign. Contact a board member if you have doubts. A legitimate board member should be able to confirm their role with the journal. Be cautious if board members are listed without their consent or if the board appears to be fabricated. ### Examine the Peer Review Process The journal should describe its peer review process in detail. This description should include how manuscripts are assigned to reviewers, how reviewer comments are handled, and how editorial decisions are made. The [Committee on Publication Ethics Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) require that journals have clear policies for handling submissions and that they treat the review process with integrity. Be cautious of journals that claim to review manuscripts within days. Genuine peer review takes time because reviewers need to read the manuscript carefully and provide substantive feedback. A journal that promises impossibly fast review may be skipping the review process entirely. ### Review the Fees and Charges Many journals charge publication fees, often called article processing charges. These fees should be stated clearly on the journal's website. The journal should explain what the fees cover and when they are charged. Be cautious of journals that charge submission fees or that demand payment before peer review. Compare the journal's fees with those of similar journals in your field. A fee that is dramatically higher or lower than the norm warrants investigation. The journal should also have a clear policy for waiving fees in cases of financial hardship. ### Look for Indexing and Abstracting Journals that are indexed in major databases have passed a review of their editorial practices. Check whether the journal is indexed in the databases that matter in your field. For biomedical research, this includes PubMed and other major indexes. The [National Library of Medicine bookshelf](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books) can help you understand which databases are authoritative in your field. Be cautious of journals that claim to be indexed but do not appear in the database's official list. Some deceptive journals claim indexing that they do not have. ## The Submit Phase: Final Checks Before You Send Your Manuscript The third phase of the checklist covers the steps you should take immediately before submission. These steps protect you and your work. ### Confirm Authorship and Contributorship The journal should have a clear policy on authorship. This policy should define who qualifies as an author and what contributions warrant authorship. The [Committee on Publication Ethics Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) describe the expectations for authorship, including that all authors must have made substantial contributions and that all authors must approve the final version. Confirm that all authors agree to the submission and that the author list is complete. Disputes about authorship are easier to resolve before submission than after publication. ### Review the Data Sharing Policy Many funders now require data sharing. The [National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy) describes the expectations for NIH-funded research. The journal's data policy should be compatible with your funder's requirements. The journal should state whether it requires data availability statements, whether it encourages or requires data deposition in repositories, and whether it allows data to be shared on request. Confirm that your manuscript complies with these requirements before submission. ### Check the Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Policies The journal should have clear policies on research ethics and conflicts of interest. The [Committee on Publication Ethics Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) describe the expectations for handling conflicts of interest, including that authors must disclose relevant financial and non-financial interests. Confirm that you have disclosed all relevant conflicts and that your research was conducted in accordance with ethical standards. This includes obtaining informed consent for human research and approval from animal care committees for animal research. ### Prepare Your ORCID Record An [ORCID identifier](https://info.orcid.org/researchers) provides a persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from other researchers. Many journals now require ORCID identifiers for corresponding authors. Confirm that your ORCID record is current and that it accurately reflects your affiliations and publication history. Your ORCID record should be linked to your institutional affiliation and to your previous publications. This linkage helps journals and readers verify your identity and your research record. ## Practical Workflow for Evaluating a Journal The following workflow applies the Think.Check.Submit. checklist to a real journal evaluation. You can use this process for any journal you are considering. ### Step 1: Identify Candidate Journals Start with journals that publish work similar to yours. Use journal finders and databases to identify candidates. Your institution's library can help you identify journals in your field. The [National Library of Medicine bookshelf](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books) provides access to research methods references that can help you understand the publication landscape. Create a list of five to ten candidate journals. For each journal, record the publisher, the scope, the peer review model, and the fees. ### Step 2: Apply the Think Questions For each candidate journal, answer the Think questions. Does the journal's scope match your research? Who reads the journal? What is the peer review model? Eliminate journals that are a poor fit for your work. ### Step 3: Apply the Check Questions For the remaining journals, apply the Check questions. Verify the publisher's identity, check the editorial board, examine the peer review process, review the fees, and look for indexing. Eliminate journals that fail these checks. ### Step 4: Consult Your Institution Before you submit, consult your institution's library and your research office. Librarians can help you verify a journal's legitimacy. Your research office can help you understand your funder's requirements. The [National Institutes of Health Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/) pages describe the expectations for NIH-funded research, including publication and data sharing requirements. ### Step 5: Apply the Submit Questions For the journal you have selected, apply the Submit questions. Confirm authorship, review the data sharing policy, check the ethics and conflicts of interest policies, and prepare your ORCID record. ### Step 6: Submit and Record Submit your manuscript and record the submission date, the manuscript number, and the journal's contact information. Keep copies of all correspondence. This record will be useful if you need to follow up on your submission. ## Common Failure Patterns in Journal Evaluation Researchers often make predictable mistakes when evaluating journals. Recognizing these patterns can help you avoid them. ### Relying on the Journal's Website Alone The journal's website is the publisher's own marketing material. It is not an independent source of information. A deceptive publisher can create a professional-looking website that makes false claims. Always verify the journal's claims against independent sources. ### Confusing Impact Factor with Quality The impact factor is a measure of how often articles in a journal are cited. It is not a measure of the journal's editorial practices or its trustworthiness. A journal with a high impact factor can still have poor editorial practices, and a journal with no impact factor can be perfectly legitimate. ### Ignoring the Fee Structure Publication fees are a normal part of scholarly publishing, but they should be transparent. A journal that hides its fees or that charges unexpected fees after acceptance is a warning sign. Read the fee policy carefully before you submit. ### Submitting Without Checking the Editorial Board The editorial board is the journal's public face. A fabricated or inactive editorial board is a strong warning sign. Verify that board members are real researchers who are active in the field. ### Failing to Consult Colleagues Experienced colleagues can provide valuable guidance. They may have submitted to the journal before, or they may know researchers who have. Their experience can help you avoid mistakes. ## Records and Measurements for Journal Evaluation Keeping records of your journal evaluation process helps you make consistent decisions and provides documentation if questions arise later. ### What to Record For each journal you evaluate, record the following information: | Record Item | What to Document | Why It Matters | | --- | --- | --- | | Journal name and publisher | Full name and publisher as stated on the website | Establishes the identity of the journal | | Scope statement | The journal's stated aims and scope | Provides the basis for fit assessment | | Editorial board | Names and affiliations of board members | Provides the basis for verification | | Peer review model | The journal's stated review process | Provides the basis for quality assessment | | Fee structure | All fees and when they are charged | Provides the basis for cost assessment | | Indexing status | Databases where the journal is indexed | Provides the basis for legitimacy assessment | | Verification date | The date you completed your checks | Documents when your assessment was made | ### How to Use Your Records Your records serve two purposes. First, they help you compare journals side by side. Second, they document your due diligence. If a journal later proves to be deceptive, your records show that you took reasonable steps to verify its legitimacy. ## Limitations of the Think.Check.Submit. Checklist The Think.Check.Submit. checklist is a useful tool, but it has limitations. Understanding these limitations helps you use the checklist appropriately. ### The Checklist Cannot Guarantee Quality The checklist helps you identify deceptive journals, but it cannot guarantee that a journal is high quality. A journal can pass all the checklist questions and still publish mediocre research. The checklist is a screening tool, not a quality certification. ### The Checklist Is Not Exhaustive The checklist covers the most important questions, but it does not cover every possible issue. You should supplement the checklist with your own judgment and with advice from experienced colleagues. ### The Checklist Does Not Replace Institutional Guidance Your institution may have specific requirements for where you can publish. Your funder may have specific requirements for data sharing and open access. The checklist does not address these requirements. You must consult your institution and your funder. ### The Checklist Is a Snapshot Journals can change their practices over time. A journal that was legitimate when you checked may change its practices before you submit. Recheck the journal's policies immediately before you submit. ## Welfare and Safety Context for Research Publication The Think.Check.Submit. checklist has implications for research integrity and for the welfare of research participants and animals. ### Protecting Research Participants Research involving human participants must be conducted ethically and reported transparently. The [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/) provides reporting guidelines that help researchers report their studies completely and transparently. These guidelines help readers understand what was done and why. Publishing in a deceptive journal can harm research participants. If a journal does not conduct genuine peer review, it may publish research that does not meet ethical standards. This can undermine trust in research and harm the people who participate in studies. ### Protecting Research Animals Research involving animals must be conducted in accordance with ethical standards. The [Committee on Publication Ethics Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) describe the expectations for reporting research involving animals, including that authors should comply with relevant regulations and standards. Publishing in a deceptive journal can harm research animals. If a journal does not verify that research was conducted ethically, it may publish research that involved unnecessary animal suffering. This can undermine public trust in animal research and harm the animals involved. ### Protecting the Scholarly Record The scholarly record is the collective memory of research. Deceptive journals pollute this record with low-quality or fraudulent research. This pollution makes it harder for researchers to find reliable information and undermines public trust in science. ## Professional Escalation Criteria You should escalate concerns about a journal to appropriate authorities in certain situations. ### When to Escalate Escalate your concerns when you have evidence that a journal is engaging in deceptive practices. This includes evidence of fabricated editorial boards, fake peer review, hidden fees, or other deceptive practices. ### Where to Escalate Report your concerns to the following authorities: | Authority | When to Contact | What to Report | | --- | --- | --- | | Your institution's research office | When you have concerns about a journal's legitimacy | The journal's name and your evidence | | The [Committee on Publication Ethics](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices) | When you have evidence of publication misconduct | The journal's name and your evidence | | The journal's publisher | When you have concerns about a specific journal | Your specific concerns and evidence | | Your funder | When the journal's practices affect your funded research | The journal's name and your evidence | ### What to Include in Your Report Your report should include the journal's name, the publisher's name, the specific concerns you have, and the evidence you have gathered. Include copies of any correspondence and screenshots of any relevant web pages. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I know if a journal is legitimate? Apply the Think.Check.Submit. checklist. Verify the publisher's identity, check the editorial board, examine the peer review process, review the fees, and look for indexing in major databases. Consult your institution's library and experienced colleagues for additional guidance. ### What is the difference between a predatory journal and a legitimate journal? A predatory journal engages in deceptive practices, such as fabricating editorial boards, skipping peer review, or hiding fees. A legitimate journal conducts genuine peer review, has a verifiable editorial board, and is transparent about its fees and policies. ### Should I pay to publish my research? Many legitimate journals charge publication fees to cover the costs of peer review, editing, and distribution. These fees should be stated clearly on the journal's website. Be cautious of journals that charge submission fees or that demand payment before peer review. ### How long should peer review take? Peer review times vary by field and by journal. A legitimate journal will describe its typical review timeline. Be cautious of journals that promise impossibly fast review, as they may be skipping the review process. ### What should I do if I suspect a journal is predatory? Stop the submission process and escalate your concerns. Report the journal to your institution's research office and to the [Committee on Publication Ethics](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices). Provide evidence of the journal's deceptive practices. ### How do I choose between journals in my field? Start with journals that publish work similar to yours. Compare their scope, audience, peer review model, fees, and indexing status. Consult your institution's library and experienced colleagues for guidance. ### What is an ORCID identifier and why do I need one? An [ORCID identifier](https://info.orcid.org/researchers) is a persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from other researchers. Many journals require ORCID identifiers for corresponding authors. Your ORCID record should be current and accurately reflect your affiliations and publications. ### How do I comply with my funder's data sharing requirements? Check your funder's data sharing policy. The [National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy) describes the expectations for NIH-funded research. Confirm that the journal's data policy is compatible with your funder's requirements. ## Related Articles - [Conducting a Study: A Practical Checklist for Life Science Researchers](/blog/guides/conducting-a-study-a-practical-checklist-for-life-science-researchers) - [Bacterial Genome Annotation: A Practical Quality Checklist](/blog/guides/bacterial-genome-annotation-a-practical-quality-checklist) - [Data Management Plan Template: A Practical Guide for Researchers](/blog/guides/data-management-plan-template-a-practical-guide-for-researchers) - [Ethical Considerations in Research: A Practical Checklist for Study Design](/blog/guides/ethical-considerations-in-research-a-practical-checklist-for-study-design) - [The Role of the Research Ethics Committee: What Researchers Need to Know](/blog/guides/the-role-of-the-research-ethics-committee-what-researchers-need-to-know) ## References and Further Reading - [Research Methods Resources](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books). National Library of Medicine. - [EQUATOR Network](https://www.equator-network.org/). EQUATOR Network. - [Core Practices](https://publicationethics.org/core-practices). Committee on Publication Ethics. - [NIH Grants and Funding](https://grants.nih.gov/). National Institutes of Health. - [ORCID for Researchers](https://info.orcid.org/researchers). ORCID. - [Data Management and Sharing Policy](https://sharing.nih.gov/data-management-and-sharing-policy). National Institutes of Health. - [NCBI Literature Resources](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). National Center for Biotechnology Information. - [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). National Library of Medicine. > This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.