As a PhD candidate striving to graduate, the pressure to publish can feel immense. But what happens when you find yourself stuck in submission limbo? This was my dilemma when, six months after submitting a paper to a journal, I found myself still waiting for a decision.
The journal's website advertised an average review time of 45 days. After three months of radio silence, I reached out and was told my paper was still under review. But now, a full six months have passed without any further updates. I'm left wondering, at what point do I abandon ship and try my luck elsewhere?
The temptation to cast a wide net and submit to multiple journals is real. But here's the hard truth: simultaneously submitting to more than one journal doesn't just violate publishing etiquette, it breaches the legal agreements we consent to upon submission. Getting caught in the act can lead to automatic rejection from all involved parties.
So what's an antsy author to do? I turned to the wise sages of academia for guidance. Here's what I learned:
First, long wait times, while exasperating, are not unusual. The pandemic has strained the peer review system, with some fields seeing turnaround times 1.5 to 2 times longer than the previous norm. Delays often stem from difficulties sourcing available reviewers or the need to solicit additional opinions if initial reviews are inadequate or conflicting - factors largely outside an editor's sphere of influence.
This doesn't mean we're powerless, though. We have the right to judiciously inquire about the status of our submission. A polite email noting impending personal deadlines can light a fire under an editor's seat. They may be moved to action to save face and preserve the journal's reputation.
However, if the journal commands respect in your field, patience is a virtue. Prematurely withdrawing a paper risks burning bridges. Unless you receive confirmation that your piece is no longer under consideration, keep calm and carry on.
The key is to play the long game. Use the wait to draft your next groundbreaking manuscript. In the publishing world, a robust pipeline is your best defense against the agony of waiting. Resist the siren song of rule-breaking shortcuts.
Instead, arm yourself with knowledge. Before submitting, carefully review a journal's peer review policies and timelines. Have a plan B, C, and D ready, but never pull the trigger on multiple submissions.
In academia, our integrity is our currency. Protect it at all costs. The road to publication is often paved with waiting, but with persistence and a commitment to ethical conduct, we'll all reach our destination. In the immortal words of Tom Petty, "The waiting is the hardest part." But trust me, it's worth it.
