Resources for Writing a Research Proposal: Predatory Publishing

Predatory journals use a publishing model in which an author pays to have his or her work published in a widely available magazine for free on the internet. Predatory journals defraud contributors by pretending to offer peer review and editorial services, only to publish anything without due diligence. Predatory journals employ various techniques to conceal their true character; but, with a few protections and checks, they can be identified and avoided.

• The editors' academic credentials are unknown, and there is no evidence of a professional editing or review board.
• There is no evidence that real peer review has taken place.
• Peer review was completed in a very short amount of time.
• Payments to authors are either hidden or insufficient.
• Articles are accepted swiftly and published within a few weeks.
• Following the approval of papers, authors are notified of article fees.
• The scope of the journal is broad.
• Authors are asked to submit articles by email or using a simple form.
• The publisher’s or publication’s email  is generic (e.g., Gmail)
• False impact factors are stated