The purpose of a scope is to define the journal’s purpose and goals, establish its place within the subject field and describe its value to the wider academic and professional communities. The scope should have a clear aim, objective, and identity; it should be designed to enhance the journal’s credibility and attract submissions. 

A scope should be around 200-300 words and cover three categories:

Purpose:

• Describe why the journal was created and what it hopes to achieve
• Describe who the journal is for (broadly define the readership)
• Describe the value of the journal for this readership
• Define the journal’s specific niche and how it differs from other publications in the field (focus on a specific sub-field; focus on specific methodological approaches; focus on the specific geographic region; focus on specific author demographic etc)

Content:

• Information about the specific subject field of focus
• Include specific topical preferences, such as human nutrition or education policies in a specific country or industry
• Information about the type of research the journal requires
• For example, methodological articles only or original research
• Information about the type of articles
• For example, case studies or short notes, state-of-the-field studies, close text readings
• Information about the lengths of articles accepted
• For example, short notes of 1500 words, case studies of 3000 words, mid-length articles of 5000-7000 words
• Information about types of contributors: students, early career researchers, academics, professionals, authors from specific regions or specific institutions
• Information about any regular ‘types’ of issue
• For example, an annual special issue, guest edited issues, an issue on a particular theme or reserved for a particular group – such as new authors or delegates from a particular conference

Technicalities:

• Brief note on peer review processes (single or double, blind or transparent) – demonstrating that you are rigorously evaluating the quality of your submissions and that the assessments are being made by highly experienced specialists. 
• Brief note on the frequency of the journal and its history. 

Finally – tell prospective contributors why they should publish in your journal.

Consider adding comments such as the ones below, which highlight the value of working with you:

• “We encourage work from first-time authors”
• “We respond quickly to submissions”
• “We publish Open Access, ensuring your work can be widely read”
• “We offer detailed peer review responses”

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