Engaging in predatory practices: How editors persuade prospective authors

A number of studies have explored the main features predatory practices that prevail in academic journals and conferences. However, not much has been investigated regarding ways journal editors convey credibility trustworthiness when addressing scholars looking for publication outlets and, more specifically, what interpersonal resources (like proximity or engagement markers) are used to persuade them. This study draws on a dataset fifty email messages from publishers collected during past two years. It seeks delve into address “scholar customers” with aim persuading them submit their work. was first coded following Hyland’s models interaction texts, then qualitatively analysed using NVivo 11 Pro. The analysis shows (i) textual data provide direct evidence texts send dialogue they intend build authors haste publication; (ii) interactional abound, particularly markers, which explicitly at building rapport prospective author, (iii) these also contain other engagement-related elements directed an effect reader’s decision eventual submission.