Tracking Your Submission
After submitting a manuscript, you can follow its progress through the editorial workflow from your Author Dashboard. This page explains what each status means and how to interpret the information available to you.
Accessing Your Submissions
- Log in to OJS.
- Click your username in the top-right corner, then select Dashboard, or click View Submissions on the home page.
- Your dashboard lists all submissions associated with your account.
Submission Statuses
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Incomplete | Submission wizard was not finished — click to complete and submit |
| Queued (Submission stage) | Submitted and awaiting editor assignment |
| Review | Assigned to an editor; in peer review |
| Copyediting | Accepted; manuscript is being copyedited |
| Production | In typesetting/galley preparation |
| Scheduled | Accepted and assigned to a future issue; not yet published |
| Published | Live on the journal website |
| Declined | Not accepted for publication |
What You Can See at Each Stage
Submission Stage
- Confirmation that your files and metadata were received.
- The submission ID (useful when contacting the editor).
- Your uploaded files.
Review Stage
- That the submission is in review (but not who the reviewers are — reviewers are anonymous in blind review).
- Any discussion thread messages the editor has shared with you.
- Once a decision is made: the decision notification and any reviewer comments the editor chose to forward.
Copyediting Stage
- The copyedited version of your manuscript (for author review if the journal's workflow includes this step).
- Discussion threads for any copyeditor queries.
Production Stage
- Draft galley files when the editor invites you to proofread.
- The discussion thread where you can report corrections.
After Publication
- A link to the published article on the journal's website.
OJS deliberately limits what authors can see about the review process to preserve reviewer anonymity and editorial confidentiality. If you need specific information about your submission's status, contact the editorial office through the Discussion thread.
Understanding the Timeline
There is no universal timeline for editorial decisions — it varies greatly by journal, discipline, and submission volume. Typical ranges:
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Initial assignment | 1–2 weeks |
| Peer review (one round) | 4–12 weeks |
| Revision + re-review | 4–8 additional weeks |
| Copyediting | 1–4 weeks |
| Production | 1–4 weeks |
| Publication | Depends on issue schedule or ahead-of-print policy |
If your submission has been in a stage for significantly longer than the above ranges, it is appropriate to send a polite status inquiry through the Discussion thread.
Checking for Messages
When an editor sends you a message or records a decision, you receive an email notification. You can also see unread messages by:
- Clicking the Discussions panel within your submission.
- Looking for unread thread indicators in your Dashboard.
Always respond to editor messages promptly — delays in responding to revision requests or proofing queries can slow publication significantly.
Responding to a Decision
When you receive a decision notification:
| Decision | Your next step |
|---|---|
| Revisions Requested | Upload revised files and respond via the Discussion thread |
| Resubmit for Review | Make major revisions and resubmit through your dashboard |
| Accept | Await copyediting assignment; no immediate action required |
| Decline | No further action; you may resubmit to another journal |
See Responding to Revisions for a step-by-step guide to uploading revised manuscripts.
Withdrawing a Submission
If you need to withdraw a submitted manuscript:
- Open the submission in your dashboard.
- Click Add Discussion in the Submission stage.
- Write to the editor explaining the withdrawal request.
OJS does not have a self-service withdrawal button — the editor must action the withdrawal. Contact the editorial office if you do not receive a response within a few days.
Once an article is published, withdrawal requires a formal retraction process. Contact the editor immediately if you discover a serious error after publication.
Further Reading
- Learning OJS — Author Dashboard — Full author workflow documentation
- PKP Community Forum — Community advice for authors