I am wondering how long it takes for the first round review for physical review letters (PRL) on average. I have three referees. One of the referees returned the report in 4 weeks. But the other two referees have not responded to the review requests for 5 weeks. Is it common for PRL?
1 Answer
It can be long; 4 weeks is not uncommon, but much past 6 usually triggers some editorial action. Fortunately APS has a good manuscript system so it’s easy to see of the editor is trying to move things along: watch for reminders sent to referee(s) in the audit trail.
answered Sep 20, 2018 at 2:56
-
Thanks for your answer! What kind of editorial action will happen if it passes 6 weeks? Commented Sep 20, 2018 at 3:58
-
Beware the second round of reminders to the referees! For my last paper– AdamCommented Sep 20, 2018 at 6:52
-
... Sent there, we asked what was going on after 2 or 3 months. The editor gave up waiting and sent the only report he had received...– AdamCommented Sep 20, 2018 at 6:53
-
@NewKolege normally the system will start sending reminders much more regularly after 4 weeks. After a few of those reminders (~10-14 days) the editor has the choice of either go forward with the reports already submitted or (if she/he cannot reach a decision) send to another referee. My experience is that, unless the paper appears marginal to the handling editor, 1 referee report might be enough (especially if the recommendation is to reject). Commented Sep 20, 2018 at 18:40
-
@ZeroTheHero That sounds reasonable. I might get the conclusion of reviews in one or two weeks. Commented Sep 20, 2018 at 21:36