Introduction
Many researchers, especially early-career scholars and working professionals in India, often feel overwhelmed by the journal submission process. With multiple formatting requirements, ethical considerations, and tight timelines, the question arises: can you outsource this task? The answer isn’t just yes or no—it depends on what is meant by “outsourcing” and how responsibly it’s done.
Understanding What ‘Outsourcing’ Means
Outsourcing in academic publishing refers to delegating parts of the submission process to professionals or agencies. These tasks can include formatting the manuscript, proofreading, converting citations, writing a cover letter, and managing correspondence with the journal.
It does not mean hiring someone to write your paper, fake data, or bypass peer review. That would be unethical and unacceptable.
Common Reasons Scholars Outsource
In the Indian context, many PhD scholars and faculty members are managing jobs, teaching loads, or family responsibilities.
They may outsource to:
- Get help with technical formatting
- Ensure journal-specific requirements are met
- Save time and avoid errors
- Receive language polishing or editorial help
- Reduce chances of desk rejection due to formatting issues
What You Can Ethically Outsource
Outsourcing is acceptable when it involves non-academic support, such as:
- Language editing and proofreading
- Citation formatting (APA, MLA, etc.)
- Plagiarism checks
- Preparing a cover letter
- Submitting the manuscript through the journal portal
- Tracking status and responding to standard queries
In such cases, you still retain authorship, responsibility, and academic control.
What You Should Not Outsource
Certain aspects of the submission process must always remain your responsibility:
- Deciding the journal
- Responding to peer review comments
- Ethical declarations
- Final approval of the manuscript
- Co-author permissions
Submitting a paper without being involved in these areas can lead to disputes, retractions, or academic misconduct cases.
Choosing the Right Support Agency
If you plan to get help, choose a trustworthy agency.
Check for:
- Experience with UGC-CARE or Scopus journals
- Clear service breakdown (e.g., formatting only)
- Transparent pricing
- Data confidentiality policies
- Indian academic familiarity
- No guarantee of publication (this is a red flag)
Beware of agencies that offer “quick publication” or promise publication in a specific journal for a fee.
Pros of Outsourcing (When Done Right)
- Saves time, especially during peak academic seasons
- Reduces formatting errors
- Helps with professional presentation
- Assists non-native English speakers
- Can improve chances of acceptance (indirectly)
Cons and Risks
- Loss of personal control over the process
- Confidentiality concerns
- Possibility of unethical practices by shady agencies
- Added cost (may not be affordable for all)
- Potential dependency over time
It’s crucial that you remain involved and approve every action taken.
Conclusion
Yes, you can outsource the journal submission process, but only to a reasonable and ethical extent. Delegating technical and non-academic tasks can save time and reduce stress, especially for busy Indian PhD scholars. However, your academic voice, ethics, and final decisions must stay firmly in your hands. Responsible outsourcing is a support—not a shortcut.