If you are thinking about creating a journal, you should consider the what, why, who, when, and how questions. Good planning is essential for a successful journal.

What: What subjects will your journal cover? What types of articles will it include? Research reports? Fiction and poetry?

Why: Why do you want to create this journal? What is your purpose? What needs will your journal fulfill? Will it complement or compete with similar journals?

Who: Who are your authors? Students? Researchers? Professionals? Who is your audience? And who will serve on your editorial team?

When: Will you publish new issues every month? Four times a year? Twice a year?

How: Will you publish a print edition of the journal or publish online only? What website, if any, will you use? What will your editorial workflow look like? How will authors submit their work? How will you evaluate it? Will you review it in-house or send it to peer reviewers? How will you copyedit articles and create page layouts? How will you promote your journal?