Q: What can be done if the status of a submitted manuscript is not changing?

Detailed Question -

Hello! I have submitted my manuscript to a journal via the online submission system. It’s been 3 months and the status  is showing "Submitted" ever since. While tracking the status I found it has not been sent to reviewers. Also, I sent an inquiry after 1 month of submission and received the reply that it takes 2-4 months to review a manuscript and if accepted, it will be available online in 4-8 months. I sent another inquiry at the end of 2 months of submission regarding the status but received no reply. I sent another inquiry at the end of the 3rd month but still didn’t received any response. Please help, what should I do now? Should I withdraw or wait? Also is it fine to send the withdrawal request via the online system?

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

If the journal is not responding to your emails, it might be wise to withdraw your manuscript. It has already been three months and there is no progress on your paper. You can send in the withdrawal request via the online submission system, but if you receive no response within a week or two, you should send a separate email to the journal editor explaining that you have sent a withdrawal email via the online submission system.  Ask the editor for a confirmation of withdrawal.

Do not submit your paper to another journal until you receive the confirmation; else, it will be considered duplicate submission.

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