Q: Does the status "In review" mean an external reviewer is assigned ?

Detailed Question -

Three weeks ago, I submitted a paper to a journal that has a reputation for a fast publication process. On their website, they mention that decisions on acceptance or otherwise are taken quickly normally within a month of receipt of the paper. One week after submission the status of the paper changed from "Waiting assignment" to "In review ." The journal uses OJS for submissions. The "In review" page shows something like this:

Peer Review
Round 1
Review Version    Final version.pdf  2018-11-24
Initiated    —
Last modified    —
Uploaded file    None

Does it mean that no external reviewer has yet been assigned to the paper? Given the circumstances, is it too early to ask if any reviewer is assigned?

2 Answers to this question
Answer:

Three weeks ago, I have submitted a paper to a journal that has a reputation for fast publication process. On their website, they mention that decision on acceptance or otherwise are taken quickly normally within a month of receipt of the paper. One week after submission the status of the paper changed from waiting assignment to in review .  The journal use OJS for submissions. in review page something like this appear: Peer Review Round 1 Review Version    Final version.pdf  2018-11-24 Initiated    — Last modified    — Uploaded file    None

Does that mean still no external reviewer is assigned to the paper? Giving the circumstances is it too early to ask if any reviewer is assigned?

Comment

Answer:

Based on the information you have provided, it seems that the manuscript is under peer review and an external reviewer has been assigned.

 

It’s important to remember that even if the journal mentions its expected review time, this is merely an average, and the actual time taken depends on various factors, like the journal editor’s ability to find suitable peer reviewers, the availability and responsiveness of the peer reviewers, and the extent of revisions recommended. 

 

Therefore, we would suggest you wait for some more time before sending a reminder to the journal about the status.

 

Related reading:

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