What to do with PhD advisor who does not revise journal manuscript Say that someone has already spent three years in PhD with an advisor who never revises their drafts for journal submission for a period longer than 8 months given imaginary excuses. However, when it comes to conference papers the advisor has time since conference drafts are short and there is a deadline. I am wondering what should the PhD student do in this situation.
You may have tried the following approach already. If not, here it goes:
You could approach your advisor by asking whether he thought the draft was missing any results or needed additional work. If he says no, then, ask whether you could set a target date for submission and to have weekly meetings to discuss various parts of your paper. Also, express your concerns and explain how important it is for your career to get credit/recognition for your work. All of this can be done politely and face-to-face. 

This approach worked for me when I was a graduate student.