List of Essentials for Responding to Reviewers’ Comments.pdfVIP

List of Essentials for Responding to Reviewers’ Comments 09 December 2008 Mental preparation • Overall: Expect that you will have to revise your manuscript, so don’t expect your paper to be automatically. Remember that the suggestions are meant to improve your document. • Revision does not guarantee acceptance • Don’t take comments personally, get perspective so that your responses are not defensive and tinged with anger: o Take a few days to grumble before beginning to respond o Review process is not adversarial, everyone wants to see good scientifically sound work get published o Reviews typically make papers better! Response strategy: What should I do with the comments? • Overall: Remember that this is your paper ultimately and you have to take responsibility for what you choose to submit, but the editor makes the final decision! o Respond in a timely manner o Always keep in contact with the editor, for many reasons, e.g.: if you need additional time to make changes or add data accordingly If reviewers seem to be biased or unprofessional and you’d like a re- evaluation • Overall: Address every single comment, whether you make suggested changes or not o Make all changes suggested, unless the changes are inaccurate or inconsistent with your meaning or it is not your style o Have a co-author or another trusted person check that your response is appropriate, objective and professional to the comments o If you disagree with the suggestion, include evidence with your argument Disagreeing is common and acceptable –just be professional and stand your ground. “Because I prefer it that way” is not a valid explanation If the change suggeste