Q: What should I do if I submitted a manuscript to a journal and its current status has been “submitted to journal” for over 10 days?

Detailed Question -

10 days ago, I submitted a manuscript to a Taylor & Francis journal. The status is showing as "submitted to journal" but the manuscript ID has not been assigned yet. The journal homepage indicates that it takes 6 days for the first decision from submission (desk rejection). However, it’s been 10 days and I'm not sure what to do.

Moreover, when I click “Send E-mail” in the “Action Links” section on the website, this message appears: “This letter should not be used at this time. This submission is not in a status that would allow this letter to be sent to the intended recipient.”

I cannot even withdraw this manuscript now because the Action Links do not contain a “Withdraw” button. What should I do?

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

We completely understand the stress and anxiety you go through during this phase, but there is nothing to worry :-) As a result of the significant disruption that is being caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, journals are finding it difficult to meet the timelines mentioned on their website. You may consider writing to the Editor-in-Chief, requesting the status of submitted manuscript.

The action links on submission system would be active only when Editorial screening is complete and 'Review in progress'. We would strongly recommend you not to withdraw manuscript at this moment and wait for another week if they do not hear from Editor-in-chief.

For help with writing to the journal, you may find this handbook useful: How to communicate with the journal? Peer review comments, cover letter and more

The handbook is available from R Upskill, a sister brand providing learning programs for various aspects of a researcher’s work, including writing, submission, publication, and research promotion.

Hope that helps. And hope you hear from the journal soon!
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