PubMed, operated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), is the leading database for biomedical literature, indexing more than 35 million citations. Inclusion in PubMed significantly increases a journal’s global reach, scholarly reputation, and citation potential. It makes content accessible to a wide range of audiences including researchers, medical professionals, institutions, policymakers, and funding bodies.
Journals cannot apply directly to PubMed. Instead, they must first be accepted into PubMed Central (PMC), the NLM’s full-text repository. Once included in PMC, article records are automatically indexed in PubMed.
Step-by-Step Roadmap to PubMed Inclusion via PMC
Step 1: Assess Journal Eligibility
PMC accepts journals that:
- Focus on biomedical, health, or life sciences
- Publish peer-reviewed original research or reviews
- Have published at least 25 peer-reviewed articles
- Meet NLM’s editorial, scientific, and technical standards
Step 2: Ensure Website and Technical Compliance
To qualify, your journal must:
- Be open access or offer full-text availability within a short embargo
- Be hosted on a secure, organized platform with full-text access
- Publish content consistently, preferably quarterly or more frequently
- Have registered ISSNs and assign DOIs to all articles
Required website sections include:
- Aims and scope
- Editorial board with names, affiliations, and roles
- Peer review process description
- Publication ethics policy, aligned with COPE
- Author guidelines
- Licensing terms (preferably Creative Commons)
- Contact information, including a professional email address
Step 3: Prepare Submission Materials
Essential components include:
Journal and Publisher Details
- Journal title and both ISSNs
- Publisher name, address, and contact details
- Direct links to current and archived issues
Editorial and Ethics Documentation
- Editorial board list with roles and affiliations
- Detailed peer review policy
- Statement on publishing ethics following COPE, ICMJE, or WAME guidelines
Licensing and Access Information
- Open access declaration and licensing terms
- Information on article processing charges and waiver policy
Technical Requirements
- At least three peer-reviewed articles in valid JATS XML format
- Proper tagging of all elements including metadata, references, figures, ORCID, and funding data
- Compliance with PMC’s XML Tagging Guidelines
Step 4: Ensure Scientific and Metadata Quality
PMC reviewers will assess:
- Article relevance and scientific merit
- Clarity of abstracts and metadata in English
- Consistent citation formatting, with DOIs and PubMed identifiers
- Proper author and affiliation tagging
- Quality and accessibility of figures and tables, including alt text
Engaging a professional production team is highly recommended to ensure compliance with PMC’s technical standards.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Submit through the official PMC portal at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/pub/addjournal/
You will need to include:
- Journal and publisher overview
- Sample articles in JATS XML format
- Full editorial and publishing process documentation
Step 6: Undergo Scientific and Technical Review
PMC uses a dual-review model:
Scientific Review Committee
- Evaluates editorial quality, peer review transparency, ethics, and subject scope
Technical Review Team
- Assesses XML formatting, metadata quality, figures, tables, and reference linking
The review timeline ranges from 4 to 8 months depending on journal complexity. Communication is limited unless clarification is requested.
Evaluation Criteria Summary
| Area | Evaluation Focus |
|---|---|
| Editorial Standards | Peer review structure, ethics, and diversity of the editorial board |
| Scientific Scope | Contribution to biomedical knowledge and public health |
| Publishing Discipline | Consistency in release frequency and issue planning |
| Technical Readiness | XML compliance, DOI use, ORCID integration, metadata quality |
| Accessibility | Open access availability, licensing clarity, full-text access |
| Website Usability | English-language interface, complete navigation and editorial details |
Optional Support: Partnering for Compliance
If your journal lacks XML or metadata expertise, working with a professional publishing partner is advisable. WebTa Publishing offers:
- Word and LaTeX to JATS XML conversion
- CrossRef metadata structuring
- PMC-compliant packaging and validation
- Pre-submission compliance review and technical support
Post-Acceptance Responsibilities
Once accepted into PMC, your articles will be automatically indexed in PubMed. To remain indexed, your journal must:
- Maintain consistent publishing and website content
- Notify NLM of any changes to the editorial board, publication frequency, or ownership
- Uphold all editorial and ethical standards
Why PubMed Indexing Matters
Inclusion in PubMed offers:
- Global visibility among biomedical and healthcare audiences
- Increased citations and scholarly impact
- Alignment with funder mandates from NIH, Wellcome Trust, and others
- Integration with one of the most trusted platforms in academic research
How WebTa Publishing Can Help
WebTa Publishing provides full support for journals seeking PubMed and PMC indexing, including:
- Editorial pre-evaluation and compliance audits
- JATS XML conversion and validation
- Metadata optimization and CrossRef integration
- Policy alignment with NLM and COPE standards
Contact us today to begin the application process with confidence and expertise.