What is it?
Think. Check. Submit. is a free checklist designed to help researchers confidently evaluate whether a journal or book publisher is trustworthy before they submit their work.
Tool ID card
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Main purpose: Guiding researchers through a structured evaluation of journals and publishers to avoid predatory or unreliable venues.
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Who is it for? Researchers choosing where to publish, as well as the librarians, editors, and research support staff who advise them.
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Skill level: Super accessible (no technical knowledge needed).
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Access: https://thinkchecksubmit.org/ (free, no account required)
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Key features: Two checklists (one for journals, one for books and chapters), downloadable PDFs, versions in over 50 languages, and a short explainer video.
What can I do with it?
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Walk through a checklist to assess a journal’s peer review, fees, indexing, and copyright policies.
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Verify whether a publisher is a member of recognized bodies like COPE, DOAJ, or OASPA.
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Download the PDF and share it in workshops or early-career researcher training.
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Use the multilingual versions to support non-English-speaking colleagues.
Good to know
It is a decision-support tool, not a database. TCS does not maintain a list of “trusted” or “blacklisted” journals, so researchers still apply their own judgment. The checklists are updated periodically; the current journal checklist dates to June 2023. The initiative is co-led by DOAJ alongside COPE, ISSN, OASPA, and others.
Try it if you…
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Are unsure whether a journal you are considering is legitimate.
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Run research integrity or information literacy training and need a shareable resource.
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Work in a library or editorial office and want a simple tool to embed in your guidance.
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Need publishing guidance that is not English-only.