Journal Protocols Decision Map Interactive

Pick your lane, avoid predatory traps, and submit with fewer avoidable mistakes.

START FIT CHECK LEGIT CHECK SUBMISSION SETUP FINAL PRECHECK Define paper type and target audience original research, methods, review, perspective Pick 3 candidate journals (A/B/C list) 1 stretch, 1 realistic, 1 safe fallback Scope + readership fit? check aims, recent issues, methods fit NO Rebuild shortlist (avoid desk rejection) YES Legitimacy checks indexing, editorial board, peer-review process, fees transparency Predatory risk present? spam invites, fake metrics, vague review promises YES Reject venue and return to shortlist NO Submission package assembly cover letter, figures, formatting, author metadata, ethics/conflict statements Preprint and policy check confirm preprint compatibility + funder open-access obligations Ready to submit? co-author approval, clean PDF, references, checklist complete NO Fix missing items before upload YES Submit to journal track status and prepare revisions

Highlight mode

Legend

Information-gathering step
Risk-sensitive step
Approved / move forward
Stop and reroute

What this map is designed to prevent

Most first-year mistakes are preventable: submitting to a mismatched journal, missing predatory red flags, and rushing metadata/package prep. This workflow front-loads decision quality so peer review cycles are spent on science, not avoidable admin or venue mistakes.

Decision gates
3
Core workflow stages
5
Primary risk loops
2
Final output
Submission-ready package