What would you do if a journal keeps your manuscript for six months, ignores your repeated enquiries about the status and even ignores a request to withdraw the paper? Is it considered as double submission if we submit to another journal considering we would not comply with any revision or acceptance from the first journal?
I will advise to wait for the editor's response because nowadays it is very difficult to get reviewers to review certain research areas. Good luck!
Am challenged here,I think this depends on the journal. Some journal carry out the submission and acceptance process for six months. But I don't know whether you recieve any response that you journal was received. If so,try to be patient and wait for feedback.
A long waiting time is unpleasant and nerve-wrecking, but that happens even when working with well-established publishers.
However, most serious publishers these days should have an automated withdrawal system so that you can withdraw immediately at any given point of the non-accepted stage. If the publisher doesn't enable easy withdrawal, it is a red flag from my point of view.
Regarding your worries about double submission: that is a valid concern. If you don't have a confirmation for your withdrawal, you should at least be transparent about the situation towards the editorial office of your chosen redirection journal. There is a risk that you'll be put on hold, but better safe than sorry in this regard.
If a journal holds your manuscript for six months without response, document all communication, send a formal withdrawal notice citing ethical publication guidelines, and report the issue to the editorial board or publisher—consider submitting to another journal with a better record for author engagement and transparency.
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