Seasonal submission slumber

There is a magical, predictable, frustrating, unavoidable pattern that we observe every year at Quantum, and can be found anywhere where research papers are submitted. Twice per year, in late July and early December, authors rush to finish up papers before going on holiday, and we see a surge in submissions. Right after, half of the editorial board goes on holiday. The result is an inflation in submitted manuscript waiting for processing, and a general delay in the peer review process. There is nothing to be done about it, it’s not a terrible problem, we’re just writing this post to adjust your expectations. And, just in case you are under pressure for a last-minute submission, know that it’s not so bad to finish it after the holiday.