What is generally recommended when choosing a journal based on the speed of publication?

When selecting a journal with a focus on the speed of publication, prioritizing submissions based on data quality is essential. High-quality data is more likely to meet the publication standards and expectations of journals, which can influence the speed at which the manuscript is reviewed and accepted. Journals tend to have rigorous criteria, and high-quality, well-prepared manuscripts are often expedited through the review process because they require fewer revisions and less back-and-forth communication with authors.

In contrast, starting with high-impact journals may not necessarily facilitate faster publication, as these journals often have longer review timelines due to their rigorous selection criteria and high volume of submissions. Corresponding with editors might provide insights but does not guarantee expedited review or publication. Lastly, submitting to multiple journals simultaneously can lead to ethical issues such as duplicate submissions, which is generally discouraged in the academic community and can ultimately slow down the publication process if an author is required to withdraw one submission in favor of another. Thus, the most effective approach when prioritizing for speed is to focus on the quality of the data being submitted.