Q: The current status for my revision is 'With Editor' since one month with Elsevier journal
I submitted a manuscript to an Elsevier journal and received comments from two reviewers. After one week, I submitted my revised manuscript, responding to all reviewers’ comments. The day I submitted the revised version, the status was ‘With Editor'. Now, more than one month has passed, but the status is still With Editor’ with a change in the date. What does this mean? Why is it taking so much time?
Thank you for your question. We completely understand the frustration of not receiving an update regarding your manuscript status. The status With Editor may remain longer than expected for several reasons such as many manuscripts being queued for review before yours, suitable peer reviewers not being available, etc. Moreover, in case of major revisions, the recheck may take longer.
Coming to the point about the status date changing with the status showing "With Editor," this typically means that the Editor has accessed the database to check your manuscript for either an initial screening or to check the list of author-suggested reviewers/your reference list for potential reviewers post this initial screening. However, since the status has remained With Editor even after a month, you can consider sending in a polite query to the Editor asking for an update.
You may also find this handbook useful: Keep Calm And Wait: A Guide To Understanding Journal Statuses
This content belongs to the Journal submission & peer review Stage