Predatory publishing refers to exploitative practices by certain publishers that charge authors substantial fees to publish their work without providing the standard editorial and publishing services, such as rigorous peer review, editorial oversight, and proper indexing. These publishers often employ deceptive tactics to appear legitimate, targeting inexperienced researchers, faculty, and students who wish to disseminate their research quickly.
- Lack of Rigorous Peer Review: Claims of peer review may be superficial or entirely absent.
- Aggressive Solicitation: Frequent, unsolicited emails inviting submissions or editorial board memberships.
- False Metrics and Indexing: Use of fabricated impact factors or claims of inclusion in databases where they are not indexed.
- High Publication Fees: Imposition of excessive article processing charges with little or no transparency.
- Substandard Quality Control: Articles may contain numerous errors, indicating a lack of professional editorial standards.