Publishing in a journal indexed by Scopus or Web of Science is an important milestone for a researcher, particularly when preparing a candidate's or doctoral dissertation. Q3 and Q4 journals are often seen as a more practical option for publication compared to Q1 and Q2. Nevertheless, their peer review process has a number of features worth knowing in advance. Understanding these nuances affects not only the timeline for manuscript consideration but also the likelihood of acceptance itself.
Why do authors choose Q3 and Q4 journals?
Third- and fourth-quartile journals offer the opportunity to reach an international level whilst retaining indexation in Scopus and Web of Science. Competition for publication is lower here than in Q1 and Q2, though this does not mean simplified access. Work still undergoes full peer review, and without meeting scientific and editorial requirements, a manuscript will not be accepted.
Such journals are relevant for researchers working on highly specialised, applied, or regional topics, provided the material aligns with the journal's scope. Publishing in Q3 or Q4 journals often becomes a significant step for those building an international portfolio, preparing for a dissertation defence, or developing their academic reputation. An additional advantage is that competition for publication in these journals is lower than in Q1 and Q2 journals.
Features of the peer review process in Q3 journals
Q3 journals occupy middle positions within their subject category by bibliometric indicators; however, the quartile itself does not automatically determine the peer review model, the manuscript consideration timeline, or the stringency of requirements. These parameters are set by the specific journal's policy, the characteristics of the subject area, and the quality of the submitted work.
Some Q3 journals apply double-blind peer review, others use single-blind peer review, and a number of publications employ open peer review with disclosure of both parties' identities. Review timelines range from a few weeks to several months, and the number of revision rounds depends on the nature of reviewers' comments and editorial standards. It is therefore advisable, when submitting an article, to focus not on the quartile per se but on the officially published requirements and editorial policy of the chosen journal.
When preparing an article for submission to a Q3 journal, it is useful to bear in mind a number of peer review features whose specifics are shaped by the policy of the particular journal:
- Peer review model – one of the formats mentioned above is used; the specific approach is set out in the journal's editorial policy and indicated on its official website.
- Review timeline – the average duration of peer review in Q3 journals ranges from 2 to 6 months and longer. These ranges are indicative and depend on the editorial workload, the availability of reviewers, and the subject area.
- Revision stages – determined by the quality of the article and the journal's requirements. In some cases an article is accepted after the first round; in others, two or more revision iterations may be required.
- Content requirements – assessed according to criteria of scientific validity, methodological soundness, and alignment with the journal's scope.
It is important to note that peer review features within the same quartile can differ considerably between journals.
How does peer review in Q4 journals differ?
Fourth-quartile journals occupy the lowest positions in the bibliometric ranking of their subject category; however, these indicators alone do not determine the stringency of peer review or manuscript consideration timelines. The conditions of the peer review process are established by the editorial policy of the specific journal, its internal practice, the discipline's characteristics, and the volume of materials received by the editorial office.
The average duration of peer review in Q4 journals is 1 to 4 months, although in certain journals this period may vary. Comparable timelines are found in some Q3 journals as well, so when making a selection it is better to rely not on the quartile but on the consideration timelines stated by the journal itself.
General formatting requirements for journals that apply across journals of all quartiles:
- alignment of the material with the journal's thematic scope
- article structure that, in most natural science and medical journals, follows the IMRAD model (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion)
- reference list formatted in accordance with the style adopted by the specific journal
- compliance with volume and structural requirements
In addition, editorial offices pay attention to the correct presentation of author details, the presence of an ORCID, the quality of the manuscript text, the correct formatting of tables and figures, and the consistency of in-text citations with the reference list. The article is also checked for compliance with ethical requirements and for the presence of information on funding, conflicts of interest, and each author's contribution, where required by the journal.
What mistakes most commonly lead to article rejection?
The most common reasons for article rejection in journals of each quartile are as follows:
- mismatch with the journal's thematic scope and profile
- weak or insufficiently described research methodology
- failure to comply with manuscript formatting requirements
- incorrect statistical processing of data or unjustified sample selection
- breach of publication ethics, including self-plagiarism and improper citation
- poor argumentation of the study's scientific novelty and practical significance
The issue of self-plagiarism warrants particular attention: overlap with previously published material – especially significant overlap – is grounds for rejection.
Peer review in Q3 and Q4 journals is a standard peer review procedure, the conditions of which are determined by the specific journal's policy. A well-considered choice of journal, compliance with its requirements, and thoughtful responses to reviewers will significantly increase the chances of successful publication.
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