Professional ISSN Consultancy for Journals, Publishers, Universities and Research Organizations

An International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is an eight-digit identifier used to identify continuing publications such as academic journals, scientific journals, magazines, newspapers, and other serial publications. For scholarly journals, an ISSN helps establish consistent bibliographic identification and distinguish one serial publication from another. However, an ISSN is not an indexing certificate, quality certification, or guarantee of acceptance in Scopus, Web of Science, DOAJ, or other databases. It is primarily an identification mechanism within the international ISSN system.

Genesis Research Consultancy Limited (GRCL) provides professional ISSN consultancy services for academic journals to help publishers understand ISSN requirements, assess journal readiness, organize publication information, prepare supporting materials, and navigate the appropriate ISSN application process. Our consultancy is suitable for new journals, existing journals, online journals, print journals, university journals, research institute journals, society journals, and scholarly publishing organizations.

What Is ISSN?

ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number.

It is an eight-digit identifier assigned to a continuing publication. ISSNs are used internationally to identify serial publications regardless of their language or country of publication. An ISSN may be associated with publications such as:

Academic journals
Scientific journals
Medical journals
Engineering journals
Business journals
Social science journals
Humanities journals
Multidisciplinary journals
University journals
Research institute journals
Professional and society journals
Online scholarly journals
Print journals
Newspapers and magazines
Other continuing serial publications

A journal published in different media may require separate ISSNs. For example, a journal available in both print and online formats may have a print ISSN and an online ISSN. This makes ISSN an important component of professional journal publishing and bibliographic identification.

What Is ISSN Consultancy?

ISSN consultancy is professional guidance that helps a journal publisher understand, prepare for, and navigate the ISSN application process. At GRCL, our service goes beyond simply providing an application link. We examine the journal’s publishing structure and help identify information that should be prepared or corrected before the application. Our consultancy can cover:

ISSN requirement assessment
Journal readiness assessment
ISSN application guidance
Online ISSN consultancy
Print ISSN consultancy
e-ISSN guidance
p-ISSN guidance
ISSN-L guidance
Journal title review
Publisher information review
Journal website assessment
Publication metadata review
Supporting-document checklist
Application preparation guidance
Submission-process guidance
Follow-up and clarification support
ISSN display guidance
Post-assignment metadata review

The actual ISSN is assigned by the relevant ISSN centre or ISSN International Centre, according to the applicable rules. GRCL acts as a consultancy and preparation-support provider and does not itself assign ISSNs.

Why Does an Academic Journal Need an ISSN?

An ISSN provides a standardized way to identify a continuing publication. For academic journals, it can be useful for:

Journal Identification

An ISSN distinguishes a journal from other serial publications and helps identify the publication consistently.

Bibliographic Management

Libraries, cataloguing services, databases, and information systems can use ISSNs to identify serial publications.

Scholarly Publishing

ISSNs form part of the metadata associated with many academic journals and continuing publications.

Online Journal Identification

An online journal can use an e-ISSN to identify its electronic edition.

Print Journal Identification

A print journal can use a p-ISSN to identify its print edition.

Print and Online Publishing

Journals available in multiple media may require separate identifiers for different formats.

Journal Metadata

ISSNs can be incorporated into journal, article, library, and publishing metadata.

ISSN Consultancy Services by GRCL

1. Initial Journal Consultation

Every ISSN consultancy project at GRCL begins with an initial assessment of the journal. We review the information available about the publication, including:

Journal name
Journal scope
Publisher
Country of publication
Publication medium
Website
Publication frequency
Current issue
Publication history
Editorial information
Publisher contact information

The purpose is to understand the journal’s current publishing status and identify areas that may require attention before proceeding.

2. Journal ISSN Eligibility Assessment

GRCL helps publishers understand whether their publication fits the characteristics of a continuing serial publication and what requirements may apply. We examine factors such as:

Whether the publication is continuing
Whether it has a stable title
Whether the journal has identifiable editorial responsibility
Whether the publisher is clearly identified
Whether the publication medium is clear
Whether required publication information is available

The ISSN authority ultimately determines whether an ISSN can be assigned.

3. Journal Title Assessment

The journal title is one of the most important components of ISSN identification. GRCL reviews whether the title is presented consistently throughout the publication. We may compare the title appearing on:

Journal website
Homepage
Journal cover
PDF files
Article pages
Editorial board page
About page
Submission system
Publication metadata
Journal policies

For example, if the homepage displays one journal title while the PDF cover uses another version, this inconsistency should be addressed before proceeding. A carefully established journal title can also reduce future metadata complications.

4. Publisher Information Review

GRCL reviews whether the publisher’s information is clearly presented. This may include:

Publisher’s full name
Publisher address
Country
Contact information
Journal ownership information
Editorial responsibility
Official journal website

Clear publisher information contributes to a transparent and professionally structured journal website.

5. Online Journal Website Assessment

For an online journal, the journal website is an important part of the publication infrastructure. GRCL can review whether the website clearly presents:

Journal title
Publisher
Journal scope
Editorial board
Editorial contact
Publication frequency
Current issue
Previous issues
Articles
Author guidelines
Peer-review information
Publication policies
Ethics policies
Contact information

We also examine whether the journal’s publication identity is consistently represented throughout the website.

6. Online ISSN / e-ISSN Consultancy

GRCL provides consultancy for journals published electronically. Our e-ISSN consultancy service can assist with:

Online journal readiness
Website assessment
Online publication structure
Journal title consistency
Publisher information
URL review
Publication metadata
Supporting information
Application preparation
ISSN display

An online journal should not assume that simply creating a website automatically qualifies it for an ISSN. The relevant ISSN requirements need to be considered based on the journal’s actual publication status and structure.

7. Print ISSN / p-ISSN Consultancy

For journals published in physical print format, GRCL provides print ISSN consultancy. We can help publishers review:

Journal cover
Title page
Editorial information
Publisher information
Publication frequency
Issue numbering
Publication date
Journal title
Print format
Supporting documentation

We help organize the information required for the applicable ISSN application route.

8. p-ISSN and e-ISSN Guidance

Many academic journals are published in both print and online formats. In such cases, publishers need to understand the distinction between:

p-ISSN: identifier associated with the print edition.

e-ISSN: identifier associated with the electronic edition.

GRCL provides consultancy to help publishers understand how these identifiers relate to their journal’s different media. We can also advise on appropriate placement and consistent presentation of the identifiers after assignment.

9. ISSN-L Consultancy

For journals published in multiple media, GRCL can provide guidance concerning ISSN-L (Linking ISSN). ISSN-L is designed to link the different medium-specific ISSNs belonging to the same continuing resource. Our consultancy can help publishers understand:

What ISSN-L means
How it relates to p-ISSN
How it relates to e-ISSN
How different media editions are identified
How journal metadata should represent different editions

10. Journal Metadata Preparation

Accurate metadata is important for modern scholarly publishing. GRCL helps organize important journal information such as:

Main title
Subtitle, where applicable
Publisher
Country of publication
Place of publication
Publication medium
Language
Publication frequency
First publication date
Journal URL
Current publication status

We can also identify inconsistencies between the information displayed on different journal pages.

11. Supporting Document Preparation

The appropriate supporting information varies according to the publication format and applicable ISSN centre requirements. GRCL provides a practical checklist for the publisher. For an online journal, relevant information may include:

Official journal URL
Journal title
Publisher information
Online publication information
Editorial information
Current publication content

For a print journal, supporting material may include:

Journal issue
Cover
Title page
Publisher information
Editorial information
Publication details

GRCL helps publishers organize the appropriate information before application.

12. ISSN Application Preparation

After the preliminary assessment, GRCL helps organize the application information. The preparation process can include:

Journal title

Confirm the official title used by the publication.

Publication medium

Determine whether the request concerns print, online, or another applicable medium.

Publisher

Confirm the publisher’s official information.

Country

Confirm the country associated with publication.

Place of publication

Verify the relevant publication location.

Publication frequency

Document the journal’s stated frequency.

Publication status

Identify whether the journal is already publishing or is at an appropriate stage for application.

URL

For online publications, verify the official journal URL.

Supporting information

Organize documents and publication information according to the relevant ISSN requirements.

13. ISSN Application Submission Guidance

GRCL guides publishers through the appropriate ISSN application channel. The applicable procedure can depend on:

Country of publication
Publication format
Publisher type
Journal status
Availability of a national ISSN centre
Applicable ISSN rules

We help the publisher understand which information should be submitted and how the application process works.

GRCL does not guarantee ISSN assignment.

The final decision rests with the authorized ISSN authority.

14. Application Query and Correction Support

An ISSN application may sometimes require clarification or additional information. If the ISSN authority requests further information, GRCL can help publishers:

Understand the request
Identify missing information
Review journal details
Correct inconsistent metadata
Prepare additional documentation
Formulate an appropriate administrative response

This support can help publishers avoid unnecessary confusion during the application process.

15. ISSN Display and Implementation

Once an ISSN has been assigned, publishers need to use the identifier consistently. GRCL can provide guidance on displaying the ISSN on:

Journal homepage
Journal cover
Journal header
About page
Editorial page
PDF files
Article pages
Journal metadata
Publishing platform

For journals with multiple media editions, we can also help publishers distinguish the relevant identifiers.

16. Post-ISSN Metadata Review

Obtaining an ISSN should not be considered the end of the journal’s metadata development. GRCL can conduct a post-assignment review covering:

Journal Title → Publisher → Medium → ISSN → Website → Issues → Articles → Metadata

This helps create greater consistency across the journal’s publishing environment.

Step-by-Step ISSN Consultancy Process

Our ISSN consultancy follows a structured workflow.

Step 1: Contact GRCL

Send us the journal name, journal website, publisher information, and basic publication details.

Step 2: Initial Consultation

Our consultancy team reviews the journal’s current status and discusses the ISSN requirement.

Step 3: Journal Readiness Assessment

We assess the journal website, publication structure, title, publisher information, and available content.

Step 4: ISSN Requirement Identification

We determine which type of ISSN-related requirement is relevant to the journal, such as online or print publication.

Step 5: Metadata Review

We check the journal’s title, publisher, location, medium, frequency, URL, and other relevant information.

Step 6: Website and Publication Corrections

Where necessary, we identify inconsistencies or missing publication information that should be addressed.

Step 7: Supporting Information Preparation

We prepare a practical checklist of the information and documents required for the applicable process.

Step 8: Application Preparation

We help the publisher organize the information required for the ISSN request.

Step 9: Application Submission Guidance

We guide the publisher through the relevant submission procedure.

Step 10: Query Support

If additional information is requested by the ISSN authority, we help the publisher understand and respond to the request.

Step 11: ISSN Assignment

The authorized ISSN centre evaluates the application and, where the requirements are satisfied, assigns the ISSN.

Step 12: ISSN Implementation

GRCL provides guidance on correctly displaying the assigned ISSN throughout the journal.

Step 13: Final Metadata Review

We review the journal’s publication information for consistency after ISSN implementation.

ISSN Consultancy for New Academic Journals

If you are launching a new academic journal, ISSN preparation should ideally be integrated into the broader journal development process. GRCL can help with a structured workflow:

Journal Concept → Journal Title → Aims & Scope → Editorial Structure → Website/OJS → Publishing Policies → Journal Content → ISSN Preparation → DOI Infrastructure → Indexing Readiness

Our New Journal Launch Services can therefore be combined with ISSN consultancy to establish a stronger publishing foundation.

ISSN Consultancy for Existing Academic Journals

GRCL also assists established journals that need guidance regarding:

Online edition development
Print edition development
p-ISSN and e-ISSN
Journal title changes
Publication-medium changes
Metadata inconsistencies
ISSN display
ISSN-L
Journal publishing infrastructure

A publisher should not automatically apply for a new ISSN whenever any journal information changes. Whether a new identifier is required depends on the nature of the change and the applicable ISSN rules.

ISSN and Journal Indexing: An Important Difference

A common misconception is that obtaining an ISSN means that a journal is indexed.

This is incorrect.

An ISSN identifies a continuing publication. It does not mean that the journal has been accepted by:

Scopus
Web of Science
DOAJ
PubMed
EBSCO
ProQuest
Google Scholar
Other indexing or abstracting databases

Similarly, an ISSN does not independently certify:

Peer-review quality
Editorial quality
Research quality
Publication ethics
Impact factor
Journal ranking

GRCL maintains this distinction clearly in its consultancy services. If your objective is to prepare a journal for indexing after establishing its publication identity, GRCL can provide separate DOAJ, Scopus, Web of Science, Crossref, and publication-ethics consultancy services.

Common ISSN Problems We Help Publishers Address

Publishers frequently encounter practical issues such as:

Inconsistent journal title

The title differs between the website, PDF, cover, and metadata.

Unclear publisher information

The publisher’s official name or address is difficult to identify.

Incomplete journal website

Important publication information is missing.

Confusion between p-ISSN and e-ISSN

The publisher treats print and online ISSNs as interchangeable.

Incorrect ISSN placement

The assigned identifier is not consistently displayed.

Confusion between ISSN and indexing

The publisher assumes an ISSN provides indexing eligibility or acceptance.

Multiple journal formats

The publisher needs guidance on identifying print and electronic editions.

Journal title changes

The publisher is unsure whether a title change affects the ISSN.

GRCL helps publishers understand these issues before they become larger metadata or publishing problems.

Why Choose GRCL for ISSN Consultancy?

Genesis Research Consultancy Limited (GRCL) provides specialized consultancy for academic researchers, journals, publishers, universities, research organizations, and scholarly publishing projects. Our ISSN consultancy combines:

Journal Assessment + Metadata Review + Publishing Guidance + Application Preparation + Implementation Support

Professional Assessment

We assess the journal before recommending an application workflow.

Step-by-Step Guidance

Our process is structured so publishers can understand what needs to be done at each stage.

Academic Publishing Experience

Our consultancy is integrated with broader academic publishing and journal-development services.

Metadata-Focused Approach

We emphasize consistency of journal title, publisher information, publication format, website, and metadata.

Transparent Consultancy

We do not claim that an ISSN guarantees journal indexing or quality.

End-to-End Journal Support

ISSN consultancy can be integrated with journal launch, Crossref/DOI, publication ethics, DOAJ, Scopus, and Web of Science readiness consultancy.

Frequently Asked Questions About ISSN Consultancy

What is an ISSN?

An ISSN is an eight-digit international identifier used to identify a continuing publication such as an academic journal, newspaper, magazine, or other serial publication.

How do I get an ISSN for my journal?

You normally need to apply through the appropriate ISSN centre or ISSN International Centre, depending on the country and circumstances of the publication. GRCL can help you assess your journal, prepare the required information, and navigate the application process.

Can GRCL issue an ISSN?

No. GRCL is a consultancy service provider. The ISSN is assigned by an authorized ISSN centre or the ISSN International Centre.

Does an online journal need an ISSN?

An online journal can have an ISSN identifying its electronic edition, subject to the applicable ISSN requirements.

Does a print journal need a separate ISSN?

A print edition can have its own ISSN. If the same journal is published in both print and electronic formats, separate medium-specific ISSNs may apply.

What is an e-ISSN?

An e-ISSN generally refers to the ISSN associated with an electronic version of a serial publication.

What is a p-ISSN?

A p-ISSN generally refers to the ISSN associated with a print version of a serial publication.

What is ISSN-L?

ISSN-L is a linking ISSN used to connect different medium-specific ISSNs associated with the same continuing resource.

Does ISSN mean that a journal is indexed in Scopus?

No. ISSN and Scopus indexing are separate matters.

Does ISSN guarantee Web of Science indexing?

No. ISSN assignment does not guarantee Web of Science evaluation or inclusion.

Does an ISSN guarantee DOAJ acceptance?

No. DOAJ has its own application and selection criteria.

Can GRCL guarantee ISSN approval?

No. The final decision is made by the relevant ISSN authority. GRCL provides professional preparation and application guidance.

Build a Professionally Identified Academic Journal with GRCL

An ISSN is a fundamental identifier for a continuing scholarly publication, but obtaining an ISSN should be approached as part of a broader journal-publishing strategy. Whether you are launching a new academic journal, developing an online journal, publishing a print journal, or managing an established scholarly publication, GRCL can help you understand the ISSN process and prepare your journal systematically.

GRCL ISSN Consultancy Services include:

ISSN application consultancy
Academic journal ISSN consultancy
Online ISSN consultancy
e-ISSN consultancy
Print ISSN consultancy
p-ISSN consultancy
ISSN-L guidance
Journal eligibility assessment
Journal title assessment
Publisher information review
Journal website assessment
Journal metadata preparation
Supporting-document guidance
ISSN application preparation
Application-process guidance
Query and correction support
ISSN display guidance
Post-assignment metadata review
New journal launch consultancy

Need ISSN Consultancy for Your Journal?

Contact Genesis Research Consultancy Limited (GRCL) for professional ISSN application guidance and journal publishing support.