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What is predatory publishing?

Predatory publishers and conferences exploit academics, often charging high fees while providing little or no peer review, editorial oversight, or quality control. They mimic legitimate venues but fail to meet rigorous academic standards.

New technologies and open models make it easier than ever to share your work through journals, books, and conferences. But choosing where to publish or present is critical. Predatory outlets often:

  • Send unsolicited or flattering invitations
  • Promise rapid turnaround and publication
  • Charge high fees without transparency

If you’ve published or presented, you’ve likely received these invitations. Use the tips and resources below to identify and avoid predatory practices. Connect with your subject librarian for more advice and information.

Resources: Find out more about predatory publishing

Recognizing predatory practices

Here are some guiding tools and questions to ask when you are evaluating the legitimacy of a journal, conference, or publisher.

When evaluating a journal, conference, or publisher, ask yourself:

The Directory of Open Access Journals is an authoritative listing of quality OA journals from all disciplines. Every journal listed in the DOAJ has been vetted to ensure it meets proper OA standards and is not predatory in nature.

A tool such as Ulrichsweb (formerly Ulrich's) is an authoritative listing of quality journals (traditional and open access) from all disciplines. Search for your journal to find key information about the editors, publisher, peer review, and more. Also check to see whether the journal is indexed in major academic databases.

Beall's List and other curated lists of predatory publishers and conferences can be useful as a single point of reference, but don't treat them as definitive or authoritative.

Check to see in your library, or if other libraries that support similar disciplines, subscribe to this publication or collect other works from the same publisher in their library subscriptions or collections.

Do researchers and other experts from your discipline publish there? If you haven't heard of the journal or publisher, and your colleagues haven't either, and no one you know publishes there, be cautious.
  • Also double check the journal name: predatory publishers will try to trick you by using journal titles that are very similar to legitimate, well-known publications. Be sure that you’re looking at the right journal.

Predatory publishers and conferences rely on aggressive mass email solicitations to attract potential authors. These may be generic ("Dear Sir/Madam/Dr./Professor"), or may specifically mention your name, title, or make reference to your recent publication. The call may be for a journal, book/chapter, or conference that has little or no relation to your subject expertise, and may be so interdisciplinary in scope that it could include any potential subject matter.

Many predatory journals and conferences collect their fees at the time of submission, not at the time when a paper is formally accepted for publication or inclusion in the conference. Legitimate open access journals that use article processing changes (APCs, also known as page fees) will only ask for payment after your manuscript has been peer-reviewed, revised, and accepted for publication.

Identify who is on the editorial board and check how qualified they are to review your work. You can search online for profiles or publication records of those who manage the journal, and those that might be responsible for peer review. You might consider contacting one of the members of the editorial board to ask questions about the peer review process. Alternatively, if you can't clearly identify an Editorial team and verify their connection to the publication, or only see generic contact information, be suspicious.

Before you try to publish your research, Think, Check, Submit. If it's a conference you're considering, Think, Check, Attend.

Your university library or research office should be able to help you. At MRU, contact Richard Hayman by email (rhayman@mtroyal.ca) or phone (403.440.8518). Your subject librarian is also an expert and can help you.

Tools to help

Spectrum approach: Not all questionable outlets are outright fraudulent. Some are simply low-quality or misleading, while others meet accepted standards. Viewing publishing practices on a spectrum encourages critical thinking, avoids oversimplification, and acknowledges the “grey zones” between legitimate and predatory practices. Even established or open access venues may occasionally engage in problematic behaviors (UNESCO Open Science Toolkit, 2022).

Journals and conferences: Spectrum of predatory behaviour

This table shows markers across a spectrum, from fraudulent and low-quality practices to reputable, high-quality ones, highlighting common warning signs and features to watch for.

 

This table shows markers across a spectrum—from fraudulent and low-quality practices to reputable, high-quality ones—highlighting common warning signs and features to look for.

A note on usage: This spectrum support critical analysis but isn't a definitive checklists. Use it to guide judgment alongside context, research needs, and trusted advice.

Table adapted from Identifying predatory academic journals and conferences. (UNESCO, InterAcademy Partnership, 2022)

Other things you should know

Students and early career researchers: While academics at all phases of their careers are vulnerable to predatory practices, you are often targeted because of pressure to publish and advance your career. Be vigilant and ask your librarian for guidance.

Everyone is responsible: Faculty and administrators must model high standards. Don’t ignore predatory practices to combat it before it happens, flag it for attention when you see it, and use incidents as an opportunity for education and awareness.

Evaluation committees: Be mindful when reviewing scholarship. If you suspect predatory practices:

  • Don’t assume the author is aware
  • Recognise that mistakes may be unintentional
  • Communicate with authors to support improvement

If you've published with a predatory outlet. 

  • Don’t panic! You have rights as an author and some ability to enforce them.
  • Issue a retraction or withdrawal notice (require removal of your work)
  • Refuse to pay the article processing charge (APC); if paid, request a chargeback
  • Document your steps to resolve the situation
  • Be transparent with colleagues

Research shows scholars turn to predatory outlets for many reasons, including including pressure to publish, limited awareness, convenience and peer encouragement. Find out more from Combatting Predatory Academic Journals and Conferences, (InterAcademy Partnership, 2022).

Contact

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Richard Hayman
he/him
Contact:
Email: rhayman@mtroyal.ca
Phone: 403.440.8518
Office: EL4441K