1- You can submit your paper only to a one journal, and you cannot submit the same paper to any other journal until the journal refused to publish the paper. After the refusal, you can submit the paper again.
2- It takes a very long time to get response from the free journals, and the paper might be returned after 4 to 6 months. If you wrote many papers, you can send one or two to the free journals.
Unfortunately, I can't tell you exactly how many journals you can submit to. The ideal number depends on several factors, like:
Your research: Its topic, significance, and methodology will influence which journals are relevant and appropriate. Your target audience: Consider who you want to reach with your research and target journals with that readership in mind. Journal selection criteria: Each journal has its own submission guidelines and specific requirements for publication. You need to carefully research each journal to ensure your work aligns with their scope and expectations.
Focus on Quality over Quantity: Instead of aiming for a high number of submissions, prioritizing quality and targeting relevant journals will increase your chances of successful publication. Here are some steps to help you choose wisely:
Identify relevant journals: Start by conducting literature reviews in your research area. See which journals publish similar studies and note their quality indicators like impact factor or ranking.
Check submission guidelines: Carefully review each journal's website for information on their scope, submission process, author fees (if any), and any specific requirements for your research type.
Consider Open Access options: Explore free, open-access journals in your field. Some high-quality ELT journals with free publication options include:ELT Journal: https://elt.oup.com/ Journal of Language Teaching and Research: https://www.academypublication.com/jltr/ 3L The Southeast Asian Journal of English Language Studies: https://doaj.org/toc/0128-5157 Angles: https://journals.openedition.org/angles/ Open Linguistics: https://www.degruyter.com/journal/key/opli/html
Seek advice from colleagues or mentors: Discuss your research and journal selection process with experienced professionals in your field.
Remember, quality and relevance are key. Choose journals that genuinely fit your research, offer a good reputation and visibility, and align with your publication goals.
Good luck with your research and publication journey!