Publishing an article in a journal indexed by Scopus or Web of Science requires an understanding of that journal's specific requirements, manuscript formatting rules and the particulars of peer review. For this reason, researchers often turn to intermediary companies, which help prepare the material and support it through every stage of the publication process.
Why do researchers need an intermediary when publishing an article?
Selecting a journal that matches the topic and calibre of a study takes time and a working knowledge of the specific field. Manuscript formatting requirements, correspondence with the editorial board in English, and tracking the stages of peer review, which can stretch over several months, add further complexity. Combining this work with teaching or clinical duties is not always possible, which is why researchers hand part of the task over to specialist companies.
Main areas of work covered by intermediary companies
The range of services varies between companies, but it most often includes selecting a journal to match the article's subject and quartile, checking that the manuscript meets editorial requirements, language editing, and support with submission and correspondence with the journal. Some companies also help with ORCID registration and other bibliometric matters. Because the scope and quality of these services differ considerably, choosing a specific provider deserves careful attention.
Which criteria matter when choosing an intermediary?
When assessing an intermediary company, it is worth paying attention to the following:
- official company registration and a written contract for the services provided
- transparent pricing and a clear list of what is included
- experience working with journals in the relevant field
- the ability to review a portfolio of previous publications
- a willingness to provide supporting documents once the work is complete
If even one of these is missing, it is worth looking more closely into the company's reputation before handing over a manuscript.
Signs of an unreliable intermediary in article publication
Some companies offering publication services operate along lines similar to predatory journals: mass mailshots, promises of a guaranteed outcome, and demands for prompt upfront payment. Warning signs include the absence of a registered address and a contract, vague answers about the peer-review process, and a reluctance to name the journals the company actually works with.
Before starting to work together, it is worth clarifying the following with the company:
- Official registration and a registered legal address.
- The terms of the contract and the payment arrangement.
- The approximate review timescale for the chosen journal.
- Whether the journal matches the research field and is indexed in Scopus or Web of Science.
- The possibility of receiving a status report on the publication at each stage.
Is it worth trusting promises of guaranteed, fast publication?
The decision to accept an article for publication rests with the editorial board and is based on the reviewers' reports, so no intermediary can guarantee an outcome regardless of the manuscript's quality. The average review period for material submitted to Scopus and Web of Science journals usually runs from several months to a year, depending on the field of research and the journal's requirements. Offers to publish an article in a highly ranked journal within a matter of days generally point to work with a journal of questionable standing.
For researchers preparing to defend a doctoral thesis, publishing at least one article in a journal indexed by Scopus or Web of Science is, at a number of universities, a formal condition for admission to the defence. A similar criterion is often taken into account when candidates are considered for academic posts, including that of associate professor, where publications in such journals are regarded as a significant advantage. The choice of intermediary is therefore directly linked to whether the publication meets the requirements of the particular institution.
Choosing an intermediary for the publication of an academic article is a decision – one that deserves careful consideration rather than being made under time pressure. Official company registration, a contract, transparent pricing and realistic review timescales remain the main points of reference when assessing a potential partner. This approach helps reduce risk and protect the reputation that matters for a future academic career.
Planning to publish an article and want to avoid the risks of choosing the wrong intermediary? The specialists at Scientific Publications can help select a journal to match your field of research and will support you through every stage of the publication process. Fill in the form below for a free consultation, and our manager will get in touch with you shortly. Onwards to new academic achievements!
