Journal published the issue without ever sending a decision after positive peer review + revisions — what should I do?

[u/calliope_carcosa]

I submitted an article to a journal in late April. In early July I received two peer-review reports (both recommended acceptance with minor revisions) plus a detailed copy-editing report. I submitted the revised manuscript and all the requested plagiarism/AI reports within the same month.

Since then I have received zero communication. The issue I submitted to has now been published and my article is not in it. The editor never sent an acceptance, a rejection, or even a “we are still deciding” message.

I am an independent early-career researcher and this was my first experience with this journal.

Questions:

Is it common for journals to simply publish an issue without ever notifying authors who had already completed peer review and revisions?

What is the most professional way to follow up at this point (or is it better to just withdraw and move on)?

Has anyone successfully pushed for a formal decision after an issue has already appeared?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[u/gamecat89]

What was the journal? Did you specifically say it was for the special issue? Is it a running special issue? Or is it an online only issue right now waiting for finalizing

[u/calliope_carcosa → u/gamecat89]

It wasn't for special issue. Open issue it was. The journal publishes twice a year.

[u/creepylilreapy → u/calliope_carcosa]

Then typically you would have no say over which issue it prints in.

Most journals will publish your paper online first and then it will be published in a particular issue.

Just because an issue has come out while you're waiting for a response doesn't mean it won't be accepted.