Q: Do I have to send a request to withdraw an article after more than two months of review?

Thank you for sending in your query. I understand that an extended waiting period can be quite stressful. However, if the journal is a reputable one, you can consider waiting a while longer before you decide to withdraw. Some journal editors are not very responsive to emails, possibly because they are very busy. I would suggest that you send emails more frequently, maybe once every week for the next 3-4 weeks. Be very polite in your emails and explain your situation and that you are anxious about your submission and a reply from their end would be appreciated. If there is still no response nor a status change by the end of this month, you can consider withdrawing your manuscript.

However, please note that you cannot submit your paper to another journal until the withdrawal process is complete as this could be considered as duplicate or concurrent submission. The withdrawal process for the manuscript will be complete only when you receive a confirmation email from the journal editor. In case the editor does not reply even to your withdrawal request, you will have to send multiple reminders and wait till you receive a reply. If there is still no reply, you will have to write to the journal saying that you will consider the withdrawal process complete if there is no reply within a specific time (set a deadline of 2-3 weeks). You can then submit your manuscript to another journal. However, make sure you write to the editor of the second journal, explaining the situation and providing the email thread about the withdrawal as supporting evidence to assure them that there was no intention of duplicate submission from your end.