The relationship between people and their supervisor varies significantly from place to place and person to person. What is right for me may not be right for you. "I am writing to check when you are available to review my paper in the coming days?" Nothing wrong with this. This is pushy. Stating that you want it in the coming days, implying SOON. "coming days" also stresses that it's been a while. If these are things you are comfortable saying to him/her, then ok. . . Does he/she know who you are? Do they know which paper? . Why do you want it? One option is to connect wanting it to your reason. . For example. More grovelling: The deadline for the paper, <state name to remind> to be accepted into <where that he/she wants it to go> is approaching. The paper is with you for review. I understand that you are busy. Is there anything that I can do to help with the review? . More obligation The deadline for the paper, <state name to remind> to be accepted into <where that he/she wants it to go> is approaching. The paper is with you for review. Will you be able to make time to get it back to me before <date> or should I plan for a different forum for the paper? .