I have submitted a manuscript and it is showing the status "Editor Assigned" for nearly five months. I have contacted the editor after four months and they appraised that due to editorial workload they are taking more time than usual. One month has been passed since this incident and I am getting worried if something is wrong. I have done further work on the same topic which has been under revision in another journal and it is still in the same status.
Is there something which I can do or should I wait?
Is it mean that my article is of lesser interest to them and they are giving it the least priority?
Nisar - journal editors don't usually 'delay' review on the basis of what you perceive to be the quality of your submission. The editor has replied to you and offered a reason. Unfortunately, you will just have to be patient. I would argue that if another month or two passes - then it would be reasonable to contact the editor again.
This has become a normal phenomenon for many journals these days, unfortunately! It could be due to much load as stated by that editor (or maybe their less interest, etc.). However, whatever the case/reason is, it is positive to be patient. I would suggest that you wait for a few couple of months; otherwise, it is your right to inquire about the delay in sending your article for an external review. Further, I would recommend you to state about the other article that you have developed and submitted for review for publication in another journal, especially if there are relevant findings. This is to avoid the issue of plagiarism, particularly Salami plagiarism (whether it might be either augmented or segmented plagiarism).
Hope this helps!
All the best!
Dear Dr. Nisar Ahmed, it is very frustrating for a researcher to wait for such long time. In case if it gets rejected after 8-9 months, it will add up to the chaos of the author. I would suggest you to contact the editor in chief to provide you with the final decision on your paper so that you can look for any suitable alternate journal in case the decision is not in your favour.
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