Is it pushy to ask an editor for an update about a journal submission after 4 months of silence?

[Sleepless in skellefteå]

Basically what the title says: I submitted an article to a history journal in the middle of September. She said that she had sent it out for review, but I have not heard back since. Could I write again to ask her for updates, or would this be considered pushy? Thanks! 

 

[PhDApplicant23]

Even if it is pushy, does that matter? In my opinion, an editor's job is to be a liaison between field experts, writers, and a publication team. 

My professor told me there is a wiki page somewhere online that has forums (much like GradCafe) with information about usual wait time, etc, concerning various journals. You should look into that!

[AfricanusCrowther]

Yes, four months is a reasonable amount of time to wait before following up, especially if you do so politely. In fact, I would recommend you do so -- sometimes journals lose track of submissions.

Edited January 9, 2023 by AfricanusCrowther

[AP]

Sometimes it takes editors that much time to find a reviewer. You can ask, but I doubt you will have any updates.

[steadygaze108]

4 months? I'd have asked after two weeks!

[Sleepless in skellefteå]

Update: I asked a month ago, got the response that it was still being peer-reviewed by two editors. Pushing on 6 months now!