Our Journal Indexing Guidance and Readiness Evaluation
Indexing Consultancy Overview
Indexing is essential for academic visibility and recognition. We support journals seeking inclusion in Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ, and PubMed Central. Our consultancy guides editors through each step of the indexing process. This includes initial evaluation, policy review, and submission preparation. We offer structured support across four key service areas, each aligned with indexing standards.
1. Indexing Readiness & Application Support
We specialize in guiding scholarly journals through the full spectrum of indexing requirements for Scopus, Web of Science (Clarivate), PubMed Central (PMC), and DOAJ. Our expert consultants:
- Conduct in-depth audits of editorial and technical workflows
- Align journal policies with international indexing standards
- Provide tailored recommendations to close compliance gaps
- Assist with application documentation and post-submission follow-up
2. Editorial Policy Development & Compliance
Unclear or outdated editorial policies are a leading cause of indexing application rejections. We work closely with journal teams to create, update, and align essential editorial documentation with international best practices. Our support includes:
#1 Structuring peer review and editorial workflows
Define clear procedures for single-blind or double-blind review, including expected timelines and reviewer roles.
#2 Drafting publication ethics and malpractice statements (COPE-compliant)
Establish transparent expectations for manuscript preparation, submission, review, and revision.
#3 Defining authorship guidelines, conflict of interest policies, and data integrity standards
Ensure compliance with COPE standards, including policies on conflicts of interest, misconduct, and ethical oversight.
#4 Ensuring clarity and transparency across submission guidelines and editorial roles
Provide clear protocols for handling retractions, corrections, and post-publication updates.
Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about journal indexing criteria, evaluation timelines, and how our consultancy process works.
The Pre-Evaluation Form is a critical first step in assessing your journal’s readiness for inclusion in major indexing databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and DOAJ. It collects detailed information on your journal’s scope, editorial practices, peer review process, website structure, metadata quality, and publishing policies. Our team uses this information to perform a comprehensive evaluation aligned with the specific criteria of your target index. You’ll receive a personalized report outlining your journal’s strengths, areas that need improvement, and a roadmap for aligning with indexing requirements.
While we cannot guarantee indexing (since final decisions are made by the independent selection boards of Scopus, Web of Science, or PMC), we maximize your chances by ensuring your journal meets their standards. Our team has deep knowledge of indexing requirements, and we offer tailored guidance to improve your editorial policies, metadata structure, technical production, and ethical transparency. Some of our partner journals have successfully been indexed after implementing our recommendations, but acceptance is ultimately at the discretion of the indexing authority.
