Continue to follow it up by sending reminders

If your manuscript experiences a prolonged delay in the decision-making process by a journal, here are some steps you can take:

1. Check the journal's average processing time: Review the journal's website or your submission confirmation email to understand the typical timeline for decisions. This will help you determine if the delay is unusual.

2. Send a polite inquiry: If the delay exceeds the journal's stated timeline, send a polite and professional email to the editor or editorial office. Inquire about the status of your manuscript and ask if there are any issues causing the delay. For example:

Dear [Editor's Name], I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the status of my manuscript, [Manuscript Title], submitted on [Submission Date]. I understand that the review process can take time, but I wanted to check if there are any updates or if additional information is needed from my side. Thank you for your time and assistance."

3. Follow up if necessary: If you don’t receive a response within a week or two, send a gentle follow-up email. Editors are often busy, and your initial inquiry may have been overlooked.

4. Consider withdrawing your submission: If the delay is excessive and the journal is unresponsive, you may consider withdrawing your manuscript and submitting it to another journal. Before doing so, ensure you formally notify the journal of your decision to withdraw.

5. Escalate if appropriate: If the delay is unreasonable and you believe your work is being unfairly held, you could escalate the matter to a higher authority within the journal, such as the editor-in-chief or publisher.

6. Document communication: Keep a record of all correspondence with the journal, including submission dates, follow-ups, and responses. This documentation may be useful if you need to justify your actions later.

7. Be patient but proactive: While delays can be frustrating, they are sometimes due to legitimate reasons, such as difficulty finding reviewers. Balance patience with proactive communication to ensure your work is not overlooked.

Remember to remain professional and courteous in all communications, as maintaining a good relationship with the journal is important for future submissions.

In addition to others comments, don't give up. Some journals may take more than a year to publish your manuscript. Keep writing papers while waiting.

If the decision on a manuscript has been delayed for an extended period, the appropriate action is to send a polite reminder to the journal's editorial office. In the reminder, you should inquire about the current status of the manuscript, referencing the manuscript ID, title, and submission date. Express appreciation for their time and consideration while requesting an update on the review process. This approach demonstrates professionalism and ensures that your manuscript remains on their agenda.