Fast publication journals are useful when a researcher faces a graduation, funding, reporting, or career deadline. Speed should still be evaluated alongside scope, review quality, indexing, and publication cost.
This list uses a conservative filter: a publisher-verified timing record and a first-decision value of 30 days or less. Individual manuscripts may take longer because reviewer availability and revision cycles differ.
Quick answer: First decision is not the same as acceptance or online publication. A rapid desk rejection can also produce a short first-decision time.
Journal list and current catalog signals
The table presents 12 examples from 51 matching catalog records. SJR, H-index, and quartile refer to the linked SCImago data year in the catalog. Fees and policies must be verified on the official journal website.
| Journal | Quartile | SJR | H-index | Speed | Country | Pre-review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accountability in ResearchTaylor & Francis | Q1 | 0.9 | 43 | 1 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Annals of MedicineTaylor & Francis | Q1 | 1.302 | 137 | 2 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Annals of ScienceTaylor & Francis | Q3 | 0.152 | 26 | 2 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Addiction Research & TheoryTaylor & Francis | Q2 | 0.746 | 68 | 4 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Advances in Mental HealthRoutledge | Q2 | 0.578 | 29 | 4 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Anthropological ForumRoutledge | Q2 | 0.216 | 29 | 4 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| American Journal of Clinical HypnosisRoutledge | Q3 | 0.239 | 35 | 4 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant ScienceTaylor & Francis | Q2 | 0.434 | 54 | 5 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Action Learning: Research and PracticeRoutledge | Q3 | 0.305 | 16 | 5 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| American Journal of Distance EducationRoutledge | Q2 | 0.425 | 38 | 6 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Acta Oto-LaryngologicaTaylor & Francis | Q3 | 0.385 | 95 | 6 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
| Analytical Chemistry LettersTaylor & Francis | Q3 | 0.251 | 22 | 6 daysFirst decision | United Kingdom | Pre-review |
Data note: Timing figures are planning signals, not service guarantees. The table intentionally labels the metric as first decision. Search the complete Journal Finder.
How to choose from this list
Separate decision milestones
First decision, first post-review decision, acceptance, and online publication measure different parts of the process.
Check what the publisher reports
Look for a definition and reporting period rather than relying on an unexplained number.
Do not trade away scope fit
A fast journal with poor topic fit may only deliver a faster rejection.
Prepare a complete submission
Missing declarations, reporting checklists, figures, or anonymisation can create avoidable administrative delays.
Check the manuscript against the journal you selected
PapeReview evaluates clarity, methods, evidence, contribution, limitations, and journal-target fit before you enter the publisher submission system.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a fast first decision?
This guide uses 30 days or less when a verified publisher timing field is available. Other definitions may use different thresholds.
Does fast review mean weak peer review?
Not necessarily. Editorial systems, reviewer pools, article types, and desk-screening practices all affect speed.
Can PapeReview predict my exact review time?
No. It can organise available signals and help prevent submission problems, but the journal controls the editorial timeline.
Sources and verification
PapeReview combines catalog fields from journal and publisher records with DOAJ and SCImagoJR-linked information. These services answer different questions: DOAJ focuses on open-access journal records, while SCImagoJR presents Scopus-based citation indicators. PapeReview adds filtering and a manuscript pre-review workflow but does not replace official publisher verification.