Can I contact the journal editor to check the status of my manuscript?

Yes, authors can appropriately contact a journal editor to inquire about the status of their submitted manuscript. This action is generally feasible and often necessary if the review process exceeds the journal's stated timeframe. Contacting the editor is acceptable but requires adherence to journal protocols and professional courtesy. Authors should first verify the journal's expected peer review duration and check the submission portal for updates before initiating contact. When emailing, clearly state the manuscript ID and title, use the editor's official contact details, and maintain a polite, concise tone. Allow reasonable time after initial submission or the previous status update before sending an inquiry, typically after the average review period has elapsed without communication. Such inquiries serve the purpose of ensuring the manuscript is not overlooked and managing author expectations. To implement, draft a brief, formal email including the manuscript details and submission date, specifically requesting a status update if no information is available via the journal's online system. This professional follow-up is valuable, particularly when prolonged silence creates uncertainty about the manuscript's progression, helping maintain constructive author-editor relationships.