Guidelines for publishing in MDPI Journals

If a paper is to be published in any of the MDPI Journals, an evaluation of the journal should be performed. Here are some key criteria to consider:

• Indexing. Ensure the journal is indexed in reputable databases like Web of Science or Scopus. This guarantees visibility and academic credibility 
• Journal Ranking. Preferably, the journal should have a ranking of Q1 or Q2. These quartiles reflect the journal's impact factor and citations index.
• Special Issues. If offered, evaluate submitting to MDPI special issues. The special issues are often managed by guest editors who may not provide adequate time for review of the publication. You can read more about it here.
• Avoiding Predatory Journals. To avoid predatory journals, be cautious if:
  • The journal is not included in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ);
  • It appears on Beall's List of Potential Predatory Journals and Publishers;
  • The article processing charge (APC) is either unusually high or suspiciously low;
  • The review process is insufficient or not provided at all;
  • The opt-out policy is not well explained;
  • The publication timeline seems unreasonably fast;
  • The journal provides false or misleading metrics, such as the Impact Factor;
  • You receive invitations to publish in a journal or become an editor presented in an intrusive manner;
  • Submissions are requested via unprofessional email domains (e.g., not using the official domain of the journal or publisher).
• Use of Evaluation Tools. It is highly encouraged to follow the ThinkCheckSubmit.org guidelines for evaluating the quality of journals. This resource helps researchers identify trustworthy and reputable academic publishers.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can ensure your research is published in a credible journal and avoid the pitfalls of predatory publishing.