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Publishing strategy guide

Ethical publishing

There are many reputable, high quality, subscription-based and open access journal publishers. These are all potential indicators of ethical publishing behaviours and the UNSW Library can help authors in making decisions about whether a journal operates in an ethical manner.


Before you submit your work to a publisher:

  • check the publisher’s website and author guidelines  
  • check the editorial board – are members listed on the journal’s website?  
  • carefully read any contracts and agreements – and whether you can retain your copyright or negotiate an addendum  
  • ask whether the peer review process and any fees or charges are clearly outlined?  
  • be wary of journals that send out excessive email invitations to submit articles and to be on editorial boards

Tools to help protect your work

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