What does “Awaiting decision” actually mean?
That status means your manuscript is in the final review stage before a decision is made. The assigned associate editor has wrapped up their evaluation and sent a recommendation to the Editor-in-Chief. Now the EIC makes the final call: accept, revise, reject, or send it out for peer review. This typically happens right after peer review or an initial desk assessment. According to publishing workflows tracked by major academic platforms as of 2026, this status is neutral—it doesn’t mean you’re in or out, just that a decision hasn’t been reached yet.
The review process has multiple layers. First, the associate editor checks if your manuscript fits the journal’s scope, brings something original, and meets quality standards. If it passes muster, it moves to peer review. After reviewers send back their feedback, the AE puts together a summary and recommendation for the EIC, who has the final say. The U.S. National Library of Medicine describes similar multi-tier review structures for biomedical journals, which confirms that “Awaiting decision” is just a procedural pause—not a final verdict.
Here’s what to do when you see “Awaiting decision”
- Check how long it’s been sitting there. Most journals take 4–8 weeks to finish peer review and make a decision. If less than 4 weeks have passed since you submitted, sit tight. Status updates aren’t always instant.
- Double-check your submission. Make sure your manuscript was uploaded correctly and all required files—cover letter, figures, supplementary data—are in place. Incomplete submissions can cause delays or even desk rejection.
- Watch your email and the submission portal. Journals send notifications by email and through the portal when decisions are ready. Turn on alerts in your account settings under “Notification Preferences.”
- Confirm you don’t need to do anything else. Some systems lock the submission once peer review starts. Don’t resubmit or send inquiries unless the status drags on past the journal’s stated review period.
- Get ready for what comes next. If the journal lets you revise and resubmit, start drafting responses to reviewer comments. Use tracked changes and a detailed rebuttal letter to address each point clearly.
If you’re using a platform like Editorial Manager, ScholarOne, or Elsevier’s EVISE, you’ll usually find your status under “Manuscripts with Decisions” or “Submissions in Progress.” Head to the main dashboard: Dashboard → Submissions → Current Status. If the portal won’t load updates, try clearing your browser cache.
What if the status never changes?
If “Awaiting decision” lingers past the journal’s stated review period, it’s time to send a polite follow-up. Check their “Review Times” page first to confirm how long they usually take. Then email the contact listed in your submission confirmation or on the journal’s “Contact Us” page. Include your manuscript ID, title, and submission date. Don’t flood their inbox with messages—journals prioritize active submissions over repeated check-ins.
If you don’t hear back within 7–10 business days after your inquiry, you can escalate to the editorial office. Look for an “Appeals” or “Editorial Office Contact” link in the submission portal or at the bottom of the journal’s website. Keep it short: mention the manuscript ID, submission date, and your earlier message. Point to the journal’s stated review timeline to highlight the delay.
As a last resort, consider withdrawing and sending it to a journal that moves faster. Tools like AJE Scholar or Research Square can help you find journals with quicker turnarounds. Just make sure the new journal is properly indexed and has a solid reputation before you resubmit.
How to keep your submission from getting stuck
To avoid unnecessary holdups, make sure your manuscript matches the journal’s formatting and submission rules before you upload. Verify file types (PDF is best), image resolution (300 dpi minimum), and word count. Use tools like EndNote or Zotero to format references correctly and dodge citation errors that can trigger desk rejection.
Before you hit submit, confirm every co-author has signed off on the final version and is listed in the journal’s system. Missing names or unconfirmed affiliations can slow down internal processing. Also, try not to submit during peak academic seasons—late August or early January—when editorial offices are swamped.
Keep a simple spreadsheet with deadlines, journal contacts, and expected decision dates. It’ll help you track progress and follow up without missing a beat. Peer-review timelines vary by field, so check past performance data on sites like SCImago Journal Rank or Crossref to set realistic expectations.
