Synopsis, 6 min read
How to write a synopsis your research committee will approve
The synopsis is your first formal test as a researcher. Here is what committees look for, and the most common reasons drafts are sent back.
Read articleWhy it matters
Predatory journals charge publication fees without providing genuine peer review or editorial service. Papers published in them are rarely counted by universities or selection committees, and the work usually cannot be republished elsewhere.
Warning signs to watch for
Guaranteed acceptance or unusually fast review times; unsolicited emails praising your “esteemed work”; publication fees that are unclear until after acceptance; claims of indexing that cannot be verified; very broad scope covering unrelated fields; and editorial boards with missing or unverifiable affiliations.
Verify indexing yourself
Do not rely on the journal’s own website. Check the Scopus source list and the Web of Science Master Journal List directly. Confirm that the ISSN, title and publisher match exactly — cloned journals often copy the name of a legitimate title.
Look at what the journal has published
Read a few recent articles. Poor language editing, papers far outside the stated scope, and inconsistent formatting are strong signals. A legitimate journal also provides clear peer-review policies, retraction policies and contact details.
Use a checklist every time
The “Think. Check. Submit.” initiative offers a simple checklist for assessing any journal. Making it part of your routine before every submission protects both your research and your reputation.