Q: What can I do if the status "Awaiting AE decision" has lasted for nearly four months?
The status of my manuscript is "Awaiting AE decision" and this status has lasted for nearly four months. I have sent two emails to the AE inquiring about the status of my manuscript, but not received a reply yet. What does this situation mean? Does it mean that the editor will reject my manuscript? What should I do? Should I wait or send an email to the EiC?
You have not mentioned the previous status descriptions. If your paper has gone through peer review, that is, if the previous status was “under review,” the current situation does not indicate a rejection. But if your paper has not gone through peer review, and the status has changed directly from “With editor” to “Awaiting AE decision,” it could mean that your paper has been desk rejected. However, irrespective of the outcome, the AE's decision should not have been this delayed. Usually, the AE’s decision takes a few weeks, 6-8 weeks at the most. You should definitely write to the EiC. Also, make sure you send follow up emails every week till you get a reply. If there is no response even after you send several emails, it would be better to consider withdrawing your paper.
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This content belongs to the Journal submission & peer review Stage