# Tool Spotlight: Think.Check.Submit

**URL:** <https://forum.edch.eu/t/tool-spotlight-think-check-submit/956>\
**Category:** Editorial Management/Quality, Research Integrity\
**Tags:** journal, trust, tool-spotlight\
**Created:** [26 June 2026 09:49 UTC](https://forum.edch.eu/t/tool-spotlight-think-check-submit/956 "2026-06-26T09:49:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rturgutphd](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/user_avatar/forum.edch.eu/rturgutphd/32/119_2.png) [@rturgutphd](https://forum.edch.eu/u/rturgutphd)\
**Post date:** [26 June 2026 09:49 UTC](https://forum.edch.eu/t/tool-spotlight-think-check-submit/956/1 "2026-06-26T09:49:37Z")

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## What is it?

[Think. Check. Submit.](https://thinkchecksubmit.org/) 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

- **Main purpose:** Guiding researchers through a structured evaluation of journals and publishers to avoid predatory or unreliable venues.

- **Who is it for?** Researchers choosing where to publish, as well as the librarians, editors, and research support staff who advise them.

- **Skill level:** Super accessible (no technical knowledge needed).

- **Access:** [https://thinkchecksubmit.org/](https://thinkchecksubmit.org/) (free, no account required)

- **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?

- Walk through a checklist to assess a journal’s peer review, fees, indexing, and copyright policies.

- Verify whether a publisher is a member of recognized bodies like COPE, DOAJ, or OASPA.

- Download the PDF and share it in workshops or early-career researcher training.

- 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…

- Are unsure whether a journal you are considering is legitimate.

- Run research integrity or information literacy training and need a shareable resource.

- Work in a library or editorial office and want a simple tool to embed in your guidance.

- Need publishing guidance that is not English-only.