Publication in a journal indexed by Scopus or Web of Science remains one of the key requirements for obtaining the academic degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (DSc), as well as for strengthening one's academic reputation. The path from manuscript submission to the article's appearance in a database consists of several consecutive stages, and understanding each of them helps a scholar plan realistic publication timeframes.
What happens to a manuscript after submission to a journal?
After a manuscript is uploaded through the journal's editorial system, the article undergoes an initial check: the editorial board assesses whether the topic fits the journal's scope, whether formatting requirements have been met, and whether the reference list is accurate. It also checks the text for plagiarism using similarity-detection systems such as iThenticate or Crossref Similarity Check.
If a manuscript does not meet the basic requirements, the editorial board may reject it without sending it for review – usually within one to two weeks of submission. If the manuscript passes the initial check, it is assigned a registration number, and the material is sent to reviewers.
Peer review determines the manuscript's further fate
The peer review model is set by each journal's policy: double-blind review conceals the identities of both the author and the reviewers, single-blind review reveals the author's name to reviewers, while open peer review involves full disclosure of both parties' details.
The peer review process usually includes the following stages:
- Assignment of independent experts in the relevant field of study.
- Assessment of the methodology, scientific novelty, and reliability of the results presented.
- Preparation by reviewers of a written report with recommendations.
- A decision made by the editorial board based on the feedback received.
The length of peer review varies from several weeks to several months and depends on the subject area, the editorial board's workload, and how quickly the invited experts respond.
What decision does the editorial board make after peer review?
Following peer review, the editorial board accepts the article without changes, requests minor or major revisions, or rejects the material. Outright rejection after the first round is less common – authors are more often asked to make revisions and undergo a further assessment.
If revisions are required, the author receives the reviewers' comments and a deadline for a response. After resubmission, the article may go through an additional round of review or be passed to the editorial board for a final decision.
Publishing an article involves several technical stages
Once a manuscript has been accepted, pre-publication preparation begins. At this stage, the editorial board and the author jointly handle the following tasks:
- agreeing the final version of the text and proofs
- assigning a digital object identifier (DOI) through the Crossref system
- typesetting the article according to the journal's template
- checking the proofs for typographical errors and inaccuracies
Many journals publish articles on an Online First basis – the work becomes available on the journal's website before the specific issue is compiled, although the final page and volume numbers are assigned later.
When does an article appear in Scopus or Web of Science?
Indexing is the final stage of the publication process. Once an article has been published, the journal submits its metadata – title, authors, abstract, and reference list – to the database. Processing takes from two weeks to three months for Scopus and from three weeks to three months for Web of Science.
Many journals compile their issues on the “e-vision first” principle: metadata is submitted to the database only once an issue has been fully closed, meaning an article already published on the journal's website may still be waiting for indexing until the whole issue is complete. Indexing status can be checked on the Scopus Preview page or, for Web of Science, through a personal profile after registering on the Clarivate platform.
Publication brings together several consecutive stages – from the initial check of a manuscript to its appearance in an international database. Each stage has its own timeframe and requirements, and together they determine the overall length of the journey from manuscript to a finished, indexed publication. Bearing these features in mind in advance allows a scholar to build a more accurate schedule for a thesis defence or for submitting documents for the award of an academic degree.
Planning to publish an article and want to estimate the timeframe for each stage in advance? The specialists at Scientific Publications will select a journal that matches your research topic and support your work from manuscript submission through to indexing in Scopus or Web of Science. To receive a free consultation, fill in the form below, and our manager will contact you shortly. Here's to your next publication, without unnecessary delays!
