Beware of the call of the predatory publisher...
The major tactic predatory publishing "companies" use to exploit researchers and scholars is the email solicitation. They may be requesting for a submission, a presentation, or even to be a member of their "distinguished" editorial board. Be wary of the following:
- Email that comes from a non-academic address (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo. etc.)
- How the writer addresses you in the message. Did they call you Dr. when you do not hold a Ph.D.? Did they address you...oddly? For example, did they address you as something like Dr. Wichita State?
- An overly complimentary message. Did the writer use language such as "Dear esteemed scholar" or "your admirable/essential/dire research has drawn the attention of the editorial board of [X] journal"?
- Did the writer reference your research? If they did reference your work, does the publication make sense to your field? Does the journal have a generic name (ex. Journal of Research)? If you are approached to present at a conference, is the name associated with a legitimate professional association or group? Again, does it make sense for your field? Are you being invited to be a plenary speaker at a conference on dental hygiene when you are in the English department?
- Look for grammar errors and misspellings.
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Beware of the call of the predatory publisher...
