I submitted a research paper to a journal 4 months ago. The website says first decision after 36 days. Now, I know that can be inaccurate sometimes yet after 3 months I contacted them. They said they have received two editor comments and a decision will soon follow. The status then changed from ''under review'' to '' decision in progress''. I was relieved. Yet after 1 week it suddenly changed back to ''under review''! Now the journal is unresponsive and it has been 4 months since submission. What do you recommend I do? Should I wait? There is also no option to retract submission.
Also what does it mean when the status switches back to ''under review''?
Hello Dr Danial Mansourian
It seems to me that the only choice you have is to wait. Especially after you said there is no option for retraction. At least you know this journal is inefficient! I suspect you will avoid sending them your next manuscript.
My advice is to start working on your next project/study/paper otherwise you may end up waiting an even longer time and waste time as it passes by more. That is what I would do.
Dear Joseph C Lee
Thank you for your reply. And what do you believe it means when the processing stage of my article first changed from ''under review'' to '' decision in progress''. and after 1 week it suddenly changed back to ''under review'' again?
Hello, again, Dr Danial Mansourian
Yes, that is most unusual. I wonder if that means the editor does not agree with the reviewer and has sent to another reviewer (?)
A bit like the television umpire/official in some sports?
So, you ask: is this a positive or negative? The answer is difficult to know - it depends on the journal and the editor. Sometimes the answer is very surprising!
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