In the past, submissions arrived in the mail. When computers became common, submissions arrived on the computer. The manuscripts were then printed out and editors read the paper versions. Now, everything is done digitally. Therefore, when putting together your manuscript, always consider how convenient it is to read on a digital device.
Different publishers have different editorial workflows. But here is what happens generally.
After you press the ‘Submit’ button, your manuscript is officially submitted to the journal. Before it gets to the Manuscript Editor, your submission goes through a quality control stage. Editorial Assistants check the submission to ensure all the required files are in order before releasing your file to the Manuscript Editors.
Manuscript Editors will read your cover letter and manuscript. If the Editor intends to peer review the work, they will take a closer look at related literature, beginning with your reference list before moving on to searching the wider literature.
Referees invited to review your paper have 2 weeks to report but most take much longer for various reasons. Based on the referee reports, the Editor will either reject the paper or ask for a revision. At high-impact journals, most papers will go through at least 2 rounds of peer review.
Manuscripts are delayed for many reasons. It could be a busy season with a spike in submissions, a traveling Editor or slow referees. Editors do take holidays and sick leaves from time to time like everyone else. Be patient but do not hesitate to write and ask politely about your manuscript if you have waited far longer than what you were promised.
