Q: What does a change to Editor Assigned mean after the completion of reviews for a major revision?

Thanks for providing the detailed status updates on your manuscript, although there seems to be an error with one update. (For the second October 25 update, you have mentioned that the date changed, but the status did not. From what you have mentioned, it seems the date did not change, or perhaps you meant a different date.) Also, we understand you may have inquired about the previous updates earlier. So, it’s great that the manuscript has moved along. :-)

Now, while you are right in your understanding that the next status is Decision in Process, that may not always be the case. Sometimes, the Associate Editor (AE) may want an additional opinion on the paper, which may be an eventuality here as this initially received a major revision decision. So, they may wish to send the paper to a third reviewer (in case there were only two reviewers). Which is perhaps why the paper has been assigned to the AE.

Another possibility is that the status has changed to reflect that the paper is now with the AE, who is forming their decision on the paper. Once done, they will share this with the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), who will make the final decision. The status, when this happens, should change to Decision in Process.

You should wait and watch for the next update. If it’s a decision (accept or reject), the next steps are simpler. In case it goes to a third reviewer, you will have to wait a bit longer to know the fate of your manuscript.

For insights into some of the points discussed here, it may help to go through these previous queries by other researchers:

• What is the acceptance rate for revised manuscripts with a major revision decision?
• Does my paper stand a chance if it has received conflicting comments from two reviewers and has been sent to a third?

Again, all the best for your paper!