Q: Does the status 'Awaiting Admin Final Processing' after 'Awaiting EIC Decision' mean an 'accept'?

Detailed Question -

I had sent an article to an SCIE journal using the ScholarOne manuscript system. After one round of flawless revision [needed by the] reviewers, associate editor (AE), and Editor-in-Chief (EIC), [the ‘awaiting’ status seems to be] over. Now, the status has changed to ‘Awaiting Admin Final Processing’ from ‘Awaiting EIC Decision.’ What does this status change mean? Should I consider this an ‘accept’? Thank you in advance.

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

The change from ‘Awaiting EIC Decision’ to ‘Awaiting Admin Final Processing’ without informing you is odd. Ideally, they should contact you for the decision and then move the manuscript to the final admin processing. The final admin processing itself can mean either of two things depending on what the decision is. If it’s an accept, it means they are preparing it before sending you the proof of the manuscript for a check. If it’s a reject, it could mean they are moving it to the archive.

However, as you say the revision was ‘flawless,’ it is probably an ‘accept.’ But you should nevertheless write to the editor (AE/EIC, whoever you have been in touch with) to confirm. Incidentally, you may also wish to check your spam/junk folder in case the mail came to you but went there for some reason.

All the best! We too are hoping it’s an accept. :-)

And while you wait to hear from them, you may wish to prepare for the proofing stage by going these resources:

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