Refer to my paper on ResearchGate entitled "Writing for Publication for Students and University Staff, Action Plan for Postgraduate Studies Workshop 2020" and at the following link https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342549330_Writing _for_Publication_for_Students_and_University_Staff
However, to quote from the paper:
"Hence, you need to do some research on specific journals prior to submission if time is of the essence (e.g. doctoral candidates). I have also waited for the review of several manuscripts for over a year from various journals. I then generally contact the editors until I get the desired reviewer feedback. Hence, the question is: “Do I continue to wait and continue to follow-up or withdraw?” Ultimately, it depends on how much you want to get your article published in a particular journal versus the number and quality of alternative journals available. If the journal gives excellent exposure (i.e. it is a good match for your topic and/or has a decent impact factor, which few other journals can replicate) then I suggest that you wait! However, if there are a number of equivalent journals, then you could withdraw the manuscript and resubmit to another journal. Though, this decision also depends on how quickly the alternative journals will take before they provide feedback, since you run the risk of experiencing exactly the same issue again. My personal opinion is that you got through the initial editor screening process, so I patiently wait for the reviewer back, but I do contact the editor every couple of months until I get the desired response!"
On the website of the journal, they say 3 to 4 months, but for our manuscript, they taking more than 6 months. Until now we didn't receive a decision from editors Rajlakshmi Kanjilal
Sometimes they take more time to make decisions. COVID-19 pandemic is one of the reasons for the delay. I think it is best for you to send an email to the editor to know the update of your manuscript Maroua Ahmid