CATENA

Cezary Kabala, explicitly stated in the cover letter that I do not want this editor to handle the manuscript with the Chinese map; my revised manuscript R1 has addressed the reviewers' comments, and all reviewers recommended publication. However, this editor requested changes or deletion of the Chinese map, despite my explanation for its inclusion (1 depicting the southeastern coast of China; 2 reviewers suggested adding background information to support the discussion). R2 was then revised with a threatening tone and emotional content. In R3, I directly cited several recent articles published in Catena that included Chinese maps featuring the South China Sea and the Nine-Dash Line. This matter escalated to the editorial office, and in R4, the revision request became minor changes, but the editor still insisted on changing the map. Finally, I decided to withdraw the manuscript, and the editor agreed and suggested resubmitting with a revised map. I chose to submit it to Geoderma instead, without the accompaniment of the Polish editor Cezary Kabala.

Sharing the submission process, the speed of feeling entering the track is not too slow, but it can't be said to be fast for sure.
Submitted in May 2020, reviewed and sent for evaluation after about half a month.
Received feedback in September, two reviewers, one likely rejected the submission and the other suggested minor revisions. The editor decided to reject it but encouraged a resubmission.
Submitted a revised version in October, without any modification marks as required for resubmission. After the editor reviewed it, it was sent back for further modifications.
In November, the revised manuscript was submitted again and reviewed by two reviewers.
In December, modification suggestions were received during Christmas, suggesting minor revisions.
Rushed to submit the modified version before New Year's Day.
Experience of more than a week with an assigned editor.
Entered the "decision in process" stage directly after more than 10 days.
Accepted in early January 2020.