Q: Why is my manuscript's status showing "Awaiting Reviewers Assignment" and "Awaiting EiC Decision" at the same time?
What is the actual status when the submitted manuscript has a Status "Awaiting Reviewers Assignment" and "Awaiting EiC Decision" at the same time ?
I think this means that your paper is currently undergoing the initial editorial screening. The two statuses shown are the two possible outcomes of this stage: if your paper clears the initial screening, it will be sent out for peer review, but if it doesn't clear, it will be sent to the EiC for desk rejection. Since both the options are being displayed simultaneously, I believe the editorial screening is still not done. Once it is completed, any one of the two statuses will be shown. You will then come to know the outcome of the initial screening. Till then, keep your fingers crossed! All the best!
Related reading:
I also got both same status at the same time after submitting my manuscript 4 days ago.
Andrew can you please tell me, what was the final status of your paper in that case?
Hello, Andrew and Anchal - Would be great if both of you could let us know how it turns/turned out. :-)
Well, awaiting reviewer assignment means the the paper is due to be assigned for review. The editors are reading it and checking their reviewer list.
Awaiting EIC decision must have appeared after the first status while you did not check your status!
It Appearing after short interval of awaiting reviewer assignment clearly means that associate editors have advised against it! Now the EIC has to make decision.
The EIC never opposes his own associate editors, which means this paper will be rejected and you will be informed about it in due course of time!