How can one learn about the review cycle and publication time of a journal?

Researchers can effectively learn about a journal's review cycle and publication time by consulting the journal's official information sources and relevant bibliometric databases. Obtaining these details is essential for realistic publication planning and selecting suitable venues for submission. The primary source is the journal's own website, specifically its "Information for Authors," "Guide for Authors," or "About the Journal" pages, often detailing average review times and submission-to-publication durations. Bibliographic databases like Scopus, Web of Science (JCR), or Cabell's provide metrics such as "Submission to First Decision" or "Acceptance to Online Publication." It is crucial to note that published averages are often medians; actual times vary significantly based on manuscript quality, reviewer availability, required revisions, and current submission volume. Transparency levels also differ widely among journals and publishers, requiring thorough investigation. Implementation involves several practical steps: Firstly, meticulously review the target journal's website author guidelines. Secondly, utilize journal metric reports in databases (e.g., Scopus Sources). Thirdly, explore relevant publisher resources aggregating data for their journals. Fourthly, search platforms like academic social networks or dedicated forums (e.g., SciRev) for informal author experiences. If necessary, contact the journal editorial office directly. This proactive research significantly improves manuscript handling efficiency, enhances selection strategy, and reduces potential uncertainty.