In the academic community, there is a belief that the best journals for publication are only Q1 and Q2 titles. However, Q3 and Q4 journals should not be underestimated, as they also play an important role in disseminating research findings and offer a number of other advantages. In today’s article, we will discuss the main benefits of publishing in Q3 and Q4 outlets.
What is the value of Q3 and Q4 journals?
A considerable number of researchers aim to publish their studies exclusively in Q1 and Q2 journals. This is explained by the high level of their prestige and importance within the academic community. The first two quartiles include journals with the highest indicators of citation impact, influence, and reputation in their field, according to Journal Citation Reports (in Web of Science) or SJR (in Scopus).
However, third- and fourth-quartile titles should not be overlooked. Despite somewhat lower scientometrics indicators than Q1 and Q2 journals, they also have their own advantages, which we will consider below.
1. Accessibility for early-career researchers
Q3 and Q4 outlets typically have less stringent requirements for submissions compared with the first two quartiles. This increases their accessibility for young researchers, PhD candidates, and scholars who are just starting out in academia and developing their publication activity. Publishing in such journals makes it possible to:
- gain first-hand experience in preparing and submitting a manuscript
- become familiar with the peer-review process and communication with the editorial team
- build a foundation for future publications in more prestigious journals
For early-career researchers, publishing in Q3 or Q4 can be an important step in building an academic portfolio, which is especially relevant for dissertation defence or securing academic positions.
2. Publication terms
As Q3 and Q4 journals usually face lower competition among authors, this often helps to speed up the publication process. This is particularly important in cases where a researcher needs to publish a paper promptly in order to present interim results at a conference or to meet requirements for obtaining a grant.
3. A niche readership
Many Q3 and Q4 journals have a highly specialised or niche focus within fields that may be underrepresented in first- and second-quartile journals. Publishing in such outlets makes it possible to:
- present research findings to a target readership that is genuinely interested in a specific topic
- establish connections with colleagues working in the same field
- build a reputation as an expert in a specialised discipline
For example, journals devoted to local environmental issues, regional studies, or rare disciplines are often classified as Q3 or Q4, yet they can have substantial influence within their area.
4. Regional and local relevance
In most cases, third- and fourth-quartile journals are titles that have started relatively recently or publish research focused on a particular region or country. For example, studies related to local languages and culture, economics, and so on may be of less interest to Q1 and Q2 journals, yet they are highly important for specific academic communities.
It is worth noting that journal selection should be based on scholarly goals and the objectives of the research, as well as the researcher’s resources. When used strategically, Q3 and Q4 outlets can be an effective tool for promoting an author’s research and developing an academic career.
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