14 warning signs in solicitation emails to beware of

You receive an email...its one soliciting a scientific article or one inviting you to submit an abstract for an upcoming conference!

This email is a reason to be elated for most researchers!

And, why not??

After all, a journal/conference organizer is acknowledging your expertise in your field!!

But...there may be red flags that you should look out for!

(The line between cynicism and being vigilant can be pretty blurred!)

Here is a checklist of 14 red flags that you should look out for the next time you receive such an email:

1. Obsolete greetings and exaggerated language

2. Poor grammar and misspellings

3. Use of casual language and unnecessary use of exclamation marks

4. Promises of quick review or an immediate conference abstract acceptance

5. Aims, scopes, and conference topics that are not relevant to your area of research

6. Unfamiliar publisher or conference organizer

7. The icon/logo and journal/ conference title are similar to an established journal or conference

8. Lack of transparency about the editor, editorial staff, and/or editorial board members

9. Vague impact score or claims of having high impact

10. Inappropriate images or ads/animations on website

11. Inconsistent publication or conference history/schedule

12. No ISSN for the journal

13. No DOI for the publications

14. Request for fees upfront or waiver of all fees