There are various methods that can be used to identify suitable journals for publication. The steps described here serve as a guide, especially for researchers who are not sure where to begin. There are many other journals that could be identified through other methods.

SECTION A: Things to consider when searching for a journal

1. Journal scope – read the topics that each journal publishes on to ensure your research fits within their scope
2. Research types – check what kinds of research the journal accepts. E.g. some journals accept reviews while others only accept primary research
3. Time frames – some journals specify how long it takes from when they receive your manuscript to when they make a decision. If for example you’re trying to decide between two choices, this may influence your decision 
4. Impact factor – Ideally, researchers aim at publishing in journals with high impact factors. However, this should not usually be the primary focus.
5. Article Processing Charges – To avoid cost, search for journals that allow researchers publish for free. This has been incorporated into the search guides provided in section A
6. Open access – Ideally, all research should be made open access so that readers can have access once they are published. Manuscripts can be made open access through two options:  • Gold Open Access – This option usually requires a fee, and gives readers immediate access to the published article.  • Green Open Access – this option is free. Once a paper is accepted for publication, only the abstract will be available on the journal website. Readers will have to pay to access the full paper. However, the authors will be allowed to share the full accepted version of the paper through websites, repositories etc. Some journals require that authors wait for some time (usually 6-12 months) before sharing the published paper.

SECTION B: Search process for international journals

You may choose to follow the steps in the sequence shown, or pick any of the steps at random. In most cases, suitable journals could be found in just one or a few steps.

Do you know what journal you would like to publish in? — Yes — Great! —>Proceed

No — STEP 1:

Browse free journals listed on our Journal list. All journals listed will publish health-related research from most developing countries free of charge. Click the links provided under ‘publication fee options’ to ensure your country is eligible for a fee waiver.

Suitable journal found? — Yes  — Well done! —>Proceed

No — STEP 2:

Search Journal Guide Website  Enter title + abstract and search.

Note: Journals published by Elsevier, Wiley, Oxford Academic and PLOS offer fee waivers for studies carried out in low and lower-middle income countries (check links for list of eligible countries below). Some publishers e.g. BMC journals offer free waivers for some countries but not others (e.g. Uganda, but not Cameroon – see list below)

Suitable journal found? — Yes  — Awesome! —>Proceed

No — STEP 3:

Search Elsevier journal finder. Enter title + abstract + keywords + field and search. Check list of countries under Elsevier below to confirm your country is eligible for 100% fee waiver

Suitable journal found? — Yes  — Nice! —>Proceed

No — STEP 4:

Search Wiley journal finder. Enter title + abstract and search. Check list of countries under Wiley below to confirm your country is eligible for 100% fee waiver

Suitable journal found? — Yes— Wonderful!—>Proceed

No — STEP 5:

Search the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) 

Type in search field (e.g. Public Health, Medicine etc), untick ‘articles’ box and search.

Define filters on left hand side: under APCs select No, Under language select English. These are the basic filters that will be required. You may further narrow down filters for subject field or publishing country. Select your chosen journal and confirm that your research meets their criteria, and that they offer fee waivers for your country.

Suitable journal found? — Yes  — Amazing! —>Proceed

No — STEP 6:

Manually search through Oxford Academic journals and/or PLOS journals. These do not have journal search engines. Check list of countries below to confirm your country is eligible for 100% fee waiver

Suitable journal found? — Yes— Beautiful! —>Proceed

No — STEP 7:

Type in your research title in Google Scholar, and look for similar citations or previous research with similar titles. Check the journals where these were published.

Suitable journal found? — Yes— Excellent!—>Proceed

No — Contact Us to request for further support

List of countries with fee waivers

Elsevier – check eligible countries here 

Wiley – check eligible countries here

PLOS – check eligible countries here 

Oxford Academic Journals – check eligible countries here 

BMC – check eligible countries here 

SECTION C: Search process for African journals

You may use this if you are aiming to publish in an African journal, or a journal from a particular country

• Search Scimago website: 

• Enter subject area (e.g Medicine, Health Professions etc) + subject category (e.g. epidemiology, hematology

etc) + region (select Africa) + type (select journals).

• Click apply

Suitable journal found? — Yes— Fantastic!—>Proceed

No — Contact Us to request for further support