Journal Submission Tracker

Peer review timelines vary widely by journal and discipline. Typical ranges: 2-4 weeks for initial editorial screening, 4-12 weeks for first peer review decision, 2-8 weeks for revised manuscript review. Total time from submission to final decision often takes 3-6 months. High-impact journals may take longer due to multiple review rounds. Open access and online-only journals sometimes offer faster review (6-8 weeks). Track your submissions to identify patterns and set realistic expectations for different journals.

No - simultaneous submission to multiple journals is considered unethical in most academic fields and violates journal policies. Submit to one journal at a time, wait for a decision, then submit elsewhere if rejected. Exceptions exist for some conference proceedings or preprint servers, but never submit the same manuscript to multiple peer-reviewed journals simultaneously. Track submission dates carefully to avoid accidental simultaneous submissions when resubmitting after rejection.

Wait at least the journal's stated review time (usually 8-12 weeks) before inquiring. Check the journal's submission system for status updates first. If significantly past the expected timeframe with no update, send a polite inquiry to the editorial office. Avoid frequent follow-ups (no more than once per month) as this may annoy editors. Use a tracking system to monitor how long each manuscript has been under review and when follow-up is appropriate.

Essential tracking elements include: manuscript title, journal name, submission date, manuscript ID number, editor name, review status (submitted, under review, revision requested, accepted, rejected), decision dates, revision deadlines, resubmission dates, and final publication date. Also track impact factor, submission fees, and reviewer comments. Comprehensive tracking helps you monitor progress, meet deadlines, calculate time-to-publication, and identify journals with favorable review experiences for future submissions.