Q: Why is the post-review decision of my revised manuscript taking time?

Detailed Question -

When I submitted my manuscript to a renowned journal, within a month after review I received a mail stating that my manuscript status has changed to "Required Reviews Completed", after which I received another mail (within 45 minutes) stating rejection of the manuscript. However, when I went through the reviewer comments, I found that the reviewer had suggested just a few additions including one analytical study which was easy. Therefore, I mailed the editor that I can improve my manuscript because the queries in the comments (only 4 in number) can be resolved. The editor thereafter gave me a time of 1 month to make the necessary changes under 'rebuttal'. I followed his instructions and submitted the revised manuscript within 15 days. This revised manuscript was under review for 15 days after which I have received a mail stating my manuscript status has changed to "Required Reviews Completed". But now, the final decision is taking time (last time it was given in 45 min). What can be the reason?

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

You have not mentioned how long it has been since the status has changed to “required reviews completed” for the revised manuscript. However, I don’t think you should compare it with the first time, because it was unusually quick. Possibly the reviewers were all unanimous in their recommendations the first time, and this had made it very easy for the editor to take a decision. However, such cases are very rare, and post-review decision making can take anywhere between a few days to several weeks.

Do not worry if the editor is taking time to come to a decision: this probably means that he/she is going through the paper and the reviews more carefully. Additionally, this time, you have submitted your paper as a case of rebuttal or appeal. Most journals have a more rigorous decision-making process for appeals. Possibly, the editor is being more attentive and careful and is trying to give your paper a fair chance at getting published. 

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