While each journal or publication house might use a slightly different term for each status, in general, here are the different possible statuses that the tracking system might show from submission to final acceptance or rejection:ġ. This article aims to give authors an idea of the different statuses that the tracking system displays and what each status means. In some of our previous articles, we have attempted to provide answers to questions that authors generally have about the editorial decision making process and the possible editorial decisions on a manuscript. They also become confused and nervous when they see the same status over a long period of time, or when the article status erratically fluctuates.

As a result, it sometimes becomes difficult for authors to figure out what a particular status means, and this increases their anxiety. Whereas most journals provide detailed guidelines for the format of the research paper, they rarely, if ever, explain what various statuses displayed on the article tracking system denote. Post submission, authors experience a lot of anxiety, and it is natural for them to keep checking their manuscript or article status. Once a manuscript is submitted, the online article tracking system allows authors to follow the journey of their manuscript. Thus, it is a boon to authors who are no longer vulnerable to losing out on important suggestions for change before publication, merely due to cluttered email. In addition, online submission has also eliminated the need for several emails, saving the author from rummaging through different versions of the document. This is because online submission has completely abolished the uncertainty of postal speed, an obstacle faced when manually submitting a manuscript. Most journals have online submission systems, which have definitely made it easier and quicker for authors to submit their manuscripts.

Nature manuscript tracking