How long does it take to publish a paper (submission → acceptance → publication)?
Wondering how long it takes to publish a research paper? Learn the complete timeline from submission to acceptance to publication, with tips on peer review, formatting, and indexing in Scopus, PubMed, and WoS.
Publishing a research paper is one of the most rewarding yet time-consuming parts of academic life. Whether you are a graduate student submitting your first manuscript or a senior researcher looking for faster publication, one question always comes to mind:
“How long does it take to publish a paper?”
The answer depends on many factors — the journal’s review process, its indexing (for example, Scopus, Web of Science, or PubMed), the research field, and even the quality of the initial submission.
However, no matter where the journal is indexed or what the field of study is, every publication follows the same three main stages:
Submission → Acceptance → Publication
Each stage has its own procedures, timeframes, and checkpoints. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know — step by step — so you can better understand the process, estimate your timeline, and plan accordingly.
We’ll also provide a realistic timeline table and show how SITA Academy’s Publication Support Services can help make your journey faster and smoother.
1. Submission Stage — How Long Does It Take?
The submission stage is the first formal step in publishing a research paper. Interestingly, the preparation before submission often takes more time than the submission itself. This stage includes choosing the right journal, formatting the paper according to guidelines, and preparing all required materials.
Let’s go through it practically:
a. Choosing the Right Journal
Selecting the right journal is critical. Authors need to find a journal that:
Matches their research scope and field,
Has an appropriate impact factor or indexing (e.g., Scopus, WoS, PubMed),
Offers a realistic acceptance rate and timeline,
Fits within their budget if publication fees apply.
Time required: 1–2 weeks (depending on how well you know your field).
Tip: At SITA Academy, we offer free journal matching — just send us your paper, and we’ll suggest the most relevant journals for your topic.
b. Formatting and Preparing the Paper
Every journal has unique submission requirements. This includes:
Font type and size,
Reference style (APA, MLA, Vancouver, etc.),
Table and figure formatting,
Abstract structure and keywords,
Word limits,
Ethical statements, acknowledgments, and conflict of interest forms.
This stage can be time-consuming, especially if authors are unfamiliar with the target journal’s formatting rules.
Time required: 1–3 weeks (depending on revisions and formatting complexity).
Tip: Proper formatting from the beginning can save weeks of unnecessary revision after submission.
c. Submission Process
Once the paper and required materials are ready, authors create an account on the journal’s submission portal.
You’ll need to upload:
The manuscript file,
Figures and tables (separately if required),
Supplementary data (if applicable),
Cover letter,
Ethical declarations,
Author contributions.
After successful submission, the journal sends an acknowledgment email confirming receipt.
Time required: 1–2 days for submission and confirmation.
Average Duration of Submission Stage
Step | Typical Duration |
Journal Selection | 1–2 weeks |
Formatting & Preparation | 1–3 weeks |
Submission Process | 1–2 days |
Total (Approx.) | 2–5 weeks |
2. Acceptance Stage — How Long Does It Take?
After submission, your paper enters the review and acceptance stage, which is often the longest and most critical part of the process.
a. Peer Review Process
Once the editor conducts an initial screening, your paper is sent for peer review to 2–3 experts in the field.
The reviewers evaluate:
Originality of the work,
Methodology,
Data accuracy,
Language clarity, and
Relevance to the journal’s scope.
This process can take anywhere from 2 weeks to several months, depending on the journal’s efficiency and reviewer availability.
Time required: 4–12 weeks (average).
b. Possible Review Outcomes
After review, the journal may respond with one of the following decisions:
Accept as is — very rare.
Minor revisions required — usually takes 1–3 weeks to address.
Major revisions required — may take 3–6 weeks.
Reject and resubmit — requires significant work or submission to another journal.
Authors must revise and resubmit their paper along with a response letter to the reviewers’ comments.
c. Acceptance Decision
Once revisions are approved, the editor sends an official acceptance letter confirming that the paper has been accepted for publication.
This letter includes details such as:
Paper title and reference number,
Journal name,
Acceptance date, and
Next steps toward publication.
Time required: 1–2 weeks after final approval.
Average Duration of Acceptance Stage
Step | Typical Duration |
Peer Review | 4–12 weeks |
Revision (Minor/Major) | 2–6 weeks |
Final Decision & Acceptance Letter | 1–2 weeks |
Total (Approx.) | 8–20 weeks |
3. Publication Stage — How Long Does It Take?
Once your paper is accepted, it moves to the publication stage, which includes production, proofreading, and indexing.
a. Galley Proof and Final Edits
The journal’s production team prepares the galley proof — a formatted version of your paper as it will appear in the journal.
You’ll receive a PDF proof to check:
Figures, tables, and captions,
Typographical or formatting errors,
Reference accuracy.
Authors are usually given 3–5 days to review and approve the galley proof.
b. Author Verification & Compliance
Before publication, journals often verify:
Institutional affiliation,
Funding acknowledgment,
Conflict of interest statement,
Consent forms (for clinical or human studies).
If all documents are correct, the paper moves to the “ahead of print” or “online first” section.
Time required: 1–3 weeks.
c. Publication and Indexing
After final approval, your paper is officially published online and later included in the journal’s print issue (if applicable).
Indexing in databases like Scopus, PubMed, or Web of Science (WoS) typically takes an additional 2–6 weeks after online publication.
Average Duration of Publication Stage
Step | Typical Duration |
Proof Preparation & Correction | 1–2 weeks |
Author Verification & Compliance | 1–3 weeks |
Online Publication | 1–2 weeks |
Indexing (Scopus, WoS, etc.) | 2–6 weeks |
Total (Approx.) | 5–10 weeks |
Overall Timeline Summary
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Make the Process Faster with SITA Academy’s Publication Support Services
Publishing can be stressful and time-consuming — but it doesn’t have to be.
At SITA Academy, we provide end-to-end publication support to help you navigate each stage efficiently and confidently.
Why Choose SITA Academy?
Free Journal Matching Service – We analyze your paper and recommend the most relevant journals for your field.
Detailed Journal Insights – Get accurate information on acceptance rate, publication timeline, and fees.
Formatting Assistance – We ensure your paper strictly follows the target journal’s guidelines (fonts, tables, figures, references).
Complete Submission Support – We prepare and upload all required files on your behalf.
Continuous Follow-Up – We track your paper’s progress and update you regularly until publication.
How to Contact Us
To get started, simply send your research paper for review through any of our contact channels:
Verified Contact Channels
If you have any questions, inquiries, or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
