Small vs Nano Letters: Which Should You Submit To?

Verdict: Choose Small for broad, interdisciplinary nanotechnology work and maximum prestige. Choose Nano Letters for focused pure nanotechnology and faster review timeline.

Quick comparison

The key differences

Impact factor: Small's 12.1 vs Nano Letters' 9.1 reflects broader scope and higher total citations, not necessarily higher quality work. Both are Q1 elite.

Speed: Nano Letters is genuinely 2-3 weeks faster. Critical if you have a deadline.

Selectivity: Small's 20% vs Nano Letters' 15% looks different, but Nano Letters receives more specialized, focused submissions. Both are highly selective.

Scope philosophy: Small welcomes interdisciplinary work—nanotechnology + chemistry, biomedical applications, materials science. Nano Letters wants pure nanotechnology—nanowire synthesis, nanoparticle characterization, nanostructure physics.

When to choose Small

• Your work is interdisciplinary (nano + biology, materials + engineering, chemistry + applications)
• Comprehensive characterization and thorough methods are strengths
• You need prestige for career advancement
• Timeline is flexible (can wait 6-8 weeks)
• Your paper benefits from 15+ pages of space

When to choose Nano Letters

• Your work is focused nanotechnology (synthesis, properties, characterization)
• Speed matters (grant deadline, competitive timeline, lab momentum)
• Your core finding is novel and impactful but concise
• You want recognition within the nanotechnology specialist community
• You prefer streamlined, direct peer review

Strategic decision-making

Paper is 15+ pages? Small. Nano Letters prefers brevity.

Pure nanotechnology focus? Nano Letters likely first choice.

Bridges nano + another field? Small positioning is better.

Deadline within 10 weeks? Nano Letters (4-6 week advantage).

Prestige paramount? Small, slightly. But Nano Letters is almost as strong in nanotechnology circles.

If rejected, then what?

Nano Letters desk-reject for scope? Could mean work too broad—reframe for Small's wider mandate.

Small rejection for being too narrow? Sharpen the novelty angle and try Nano Letters.

FAQ

Does the IF difference (12.1 vs 9.1) matter to hiring committees? Yes, but modestly. Field-specific reputation matters more. In materials science, Small carries slightly more weight; in nanotechnology, Nano Letters is equally prestigious.

Can I submit to both? Not simultaneously. Pick one based on scope and timeline. If rejected, you can reframe and try the other.

How do citations compare? Nano Letters papers cite faster (specialized audience accumulates citations quickly). Small papers cite over longer timeframe (broader audience).

Bottom line

Both are selective, prestigious, peer-reviewed journals. Small suits broad, interdisciplinary, methodologically thorough work. Nano Letters suits focused, novel, concise nanotech contributions. For timeline, Nano Letters wins. For scope flexibility, Small wins. Choose based on your paper's needs, not journal prestige alone.

Related: Nano Letters acceptance rate • How to choose a journal • Pre-submission checklist