Q: Why is my manuscript's status showing "under review" and "decision made" simultaneously?
I have submitted a manuscript to a journal on editorial manager and now the same paper is shown in two folders: (1) Submissions Being Processed, and (2) Completed Submissions with a Decision. The paper and status date is the same and even in the folder 'Submissions with a Decision,' the paper is shown as under review. What has happened?
This is rather strange. The same submission should not ideally appear in both the folders at the same time. Perhaps the paper is appearing in the 'Submissions wth a decision' folder due to some technical error, particularly since even within the folder it is mentioned to be under review. Another possibility is that once the initial editorial check is done, the paper is sent to this folder, as the initial decision - whether to be desk rejected or sent for peer review - is taken at this stage. I think you should send an email to the editor inquiring about this.
This content belongs to the Journal submission & peer review Stage