Essential Insights: How Long Should Authors Wait for the Journal's Response?

"How long should I wait for a response from a scientific journal?" is a question that authors in the world of academic publishing often ask themselves. The timing of a journal's decision can have a?considerable impact on an author's research progress and career path, so this is an important topic.

In this LinkedIn newsletter, we aim to give insights into the waiting period authors experience and provide valuable suggestions to expect the waiting time.

The review process time varies from one journal to another, depending on factors such as the field of study, review policies, and publisher guidelines. Manuscripts can undergo review periods ranging from as short as one month to as long as eight months. Understanding the expected review times of your target journal before submitting your manuscript is essential, as it allows you to be prepared for the waiting time.

While some journals openly state their expected review times on their websites, others may not provide explicit information. In such cases, we advise authors to examine the publication dates of recent articles to anticipate the average time taken from submission to acceptance. These dates are mostly available in the published articles. By studying these statistics, authors can estimate the waiting period for their submissions.

However, it is crucial to note that even the stated review times on journal websites are averages. Several factors influence the review duration, including manuscript preparation, reviewers' availability and responsiveness, and the extent of revisions required. Authors can often track the status of their submissions through the journal's online submission system.

So, when is it appropriate for authors to send a gentle reminder to the editor regarding their submission? Authors typically wait for three to four months before reaching out to inquire about their manuscript's status. Journal editors, being authors themselves, understand the anxieties associated with publication and appreciate authors' concerns.

To facilitate this process, the article provides a template for writing an inquiry to the journal editor. This concise and professional template serves as a helpful guide for authors seeking an update on their manuscript's progress.

The inquiry template:

Dear Prof./Dr. [editor's last name],

Regarding manuscript [Insert manuscript reference number] titled "[Insert manuscript title]," we submitted the manuscript for consideration in your esteemed journal on [Insert date of submission]. We have not received an update regarding the manuscript's status. So, please let us know the current status of the manuscript and when we can expect an update regarding our submission.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Insert author name and correspondence details]

[Signature]

In conclusion, the waiting period for a journal's response is a crucial concern for all authors. Understanding the average review times and employing effective communication strategies can help authors navigate this process with confidence.

As always, we value your feedback and suggestions. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you success in your academic endeavors,

Note: This LinkedIn newsletter is based on the blog article "How Long Should Authors Wait for the Journal's Response?" by Rasayely. The original article can be found at: https://www.rasayely.com/how-long-should-authors-wait-for-the-journals-response/ .

At Rasayely , we understand the challenges faced by academic authors in ensuring publication ethics and meeting journal requirements. That’s why we offer a range of exclusive services to support you throughout your publishing journey:

• English Editing Services
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If you’re interested in learning more about our services or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] .