We submitted an article to a SCI journal 2 months ago. Since day 1 the status of article is "Editor Assignment Pending". In the journal introduction they have mentioned that on average 1st review response takes 70 days. As the start of review process usually takes 5-15 days in my area of research; therefore, we sent an email after 30 days and 2nd email after 45 days but there is no response from editor. In second email we requested to withdrawal of article so we may submit it to another journal. Can we submit the article to another journal before hearing the response from editor? Usually in my area of research the articles goes into review process within 5-15 days and it takes 2.5-4 months to get 1st review response.
7
-
"Editor Assignment Pending" means that no co-editor accepted the article for editing yet. Whom at the journal did you contact? - one of the lead-/executive-editors? As an alternative: you might go through the list of co-editors and look for an editor you know from a conference (and where ever) and ask him, whether he/she would be editor of that article.– daniel.heydebreckCommented Nov 28, 2016 at 7:46
-
1I contacted the editor in chief and assistant editorial office.– MohaqiqCommented Nov 28, 2016 at 7:50
-
Could you kindly state your area of research? It might help us to give a more precise answer.– Ébe IsaacCommented Nov 28, 2016 at 15:09
-
@ÉbeIsaac The article topic is related to computer networks and future internet.– MohaqiqCommented Nov 30, 2016 at 6:10
-
@MuhammadBilal: CN is an area where many researchers take an active part with so many journals being submitted by the day. A review delay is usual, but there is no excuse for a prolonged wait for a single response. It is advised that you submit to a different publisher.– Ébe IsaacCommented Nov 30, 2016 at 6:15
|
Show 2 more comments
2 Answers
Today it is very difficult to find reviewers, especially good and timely ones, unless the journal is very prestigious or rewards them highly (eg with editorials).
Having said that, this journal seems to be handled poorly. Thus, I would suggest you to pursue another scholarly venue.
If your email was clear in stating that you were definitely withdrawing the manuscript, then you can submit it wherever you want already.
Be prepared though that they may try to dissuade you stating that the revision process is already quite ahead (which could be true but not necessarily).
answered Nov 28, 2016 at 8:15
The delay in review can vary widely between journals and it does depend upon many factors such as availability, field of specialization, and the procedural overhead of the publisher. However, the delay in response is something that cannot be overlooked, especially if it is as long as 45+ days.
As you have already sent the manuscript withdrawal note to the journal, then it would be ethically acceptable to send the manuscript to a different publisher altogether.
A real life experience from my colleague in multimedia: the paper was submitted to a very reputable publisher. Alas, the number of reviewers for that field is minimal. Adding on to this is the editor's negligence. After two agonising years, the result was given: out of scope.
answered Nov 28, 2016 at 15:20
