Q: What does "Decision in process" mean?
I submitted my manuscript to an Elsevier journal on 13th April. On May 28, it was ‘Under review’. Later, on August 29, it was ‘Under editor evaluation’. Again, on September 28, the status was ‘Under review’. Later, on October 19, it was ‘Under editor evaluation’ and on October 22, ‘Decision in process’. Please let me know the meaning of 'Decision in process.'
Your manuscript was initially evaluated by the handling editor (from May – August). This long period could be because of the higher number of manuscripts received by the journal and also the priority your manuscript is being given by the journal. The manuscript was sent for external peer review in September. Once the journal received comments by the peer reviewers, your paper and the related comments were scrutinized by the handling editor. This was when the status showed "Under editor evaluation." Currently, and the handling editor has sent his/her recommendation to the editor-in-chief who will take the final decision on whether to accept/reject/ your paper or send it back to you for major/minor revisions. You will be informed about the decision soon either via email or through the submission system. Please check your emails and the status on the submission system regularly.
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This content belongs to the Journal submission & peer review Stage