Q: What to do if the status of the manuscript under second revision is showing "Decision in Process" for almost two months?

Thank you for your question. If the status of your manuscript has been showing "Decision in Process" for almost two months, it is understandable that you might be concerned about the delay. Here are a few steps you can take to address the situation:

1. Contact the journal: Start by reaching out to the journal's editorial office or the designated handling editor via email. Politely inquire about the status of your manuscript and express your concern about the extended processing time. Provide the manuscript title and any assigned manuscript ID or reference number for easy identification.

2. Seek clarification: Ask for clarification regarding the reasons for the extended processing time. Inquire whether there are any specific issues or complications that are causing the delay. This will help you understand the situation better and manage your expectations.

3. Request an update: Politely request an update on the progress of the review and decision-making process. Ask for an estimated timeline or any additional information that might help you understand when a decision is likely to be reached.

4. Seek support from your co-authors: If you have co-authors, discuss the situation with them and consider sending a joint inquiry to the journal. Sometimes, multiple inquiries from the authors can help draw attention to the manuscript and prompt a response from the editorial team.

5. Be patient but persistent: While it is important to follow up on the status of your manuscript, it's also crucial to be patient as the editorial process can vary among journals. However, if a considerable amount of time has passed without any response or update, it is reasonable to send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status once again.

Remember, every journal has its own editorial workflow and timeline, and occasionally, delays can occur due to various reasons, such as a backlog of manuscripts, reviewer unavailability, or internal administrative issues. Open communication with the journal's editorial office is often the best approach to gain clarity and resolve any concerns you may have.