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2 years ago in Scholarly Communication By Rinku

My co-author wants to publish our paper in a journal I suspect might be predatory. How can I tactfully raise my concerns and suggest better alternatives?

We’ve worked hard on this research, and I’m worried about losing credibility by publishing in a questionable outlet. My co-author is eager for a quick publication. How do I broach this subject without causing conflict, and what resources can I use to objectively evaluate a journal’s legitimacy?

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Dharnas Answered 2 months ago

There's no rule against answering new researchers—it's usually about how and what you ask. Low responses often come from questions that are too vague, too broad ("Tell me everything about X"), or look like a homework prompt. To get better engagement: 1) Ask a specific, research-focused question, 2) Show your work ("I've read Author X's take, but I'm confused about point Y..."), 3) Use relevant tags, and 4) Be a community member by answering others' questions. Clarity and demonstrated effort go a long way.

 

By Amardeep Singh Answered 1 month ago

This is a sensitive but critical conversation. I’ve found it best to frame concerns around shared goals: preserving the work’s impact and both of your reputations. Instead of accusing a journal of being “predatory,” suggest you both evaluate it using the “Think. Check. Submit.” checklist. Point out concrete red flags together, like unclear fees, an overly broad scope, or a misleading name. Come prepared with 2-3 alternative, reputable journals that fit the work well, emphasizing their stronger indexing or relevant audience. Propose submitting to your top joint choice first. This approach moves the discussion from subjective worry to objective evaluation and shared problem-solving, which usually leads to a safer, more strategic decision for everyone involved.

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