How to avoid the reviewer's axe: one editor's view

Area of Science:

• Scientific Publishing
• Peer Review Process
• Manuscript Preparation

Background:

• Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems (JMEMS) editor shares insights from extensive experience.
• Identifies common pitfalls that provoke negative reviewer responses.
• Emphasizes the importance of author adherence to established guidelines.

Discussion:

• Certain author actions or omissions predictably elicit strong negative reactions from peer reviewers.
• Reviewer frustration can lead to overly critical and aggressive evaluations of submitted manuscripts.
• Understanding these triggers is crucial for navigating the peer review process successfully.

Key Insights:

• Proactive manuscript preparation can mitigate the risk of a "reviewer's axe."
• Adhering to journal-specific guidelines is paramount for a smooth review.
• Anticipating and addressing potential reviewer concerns enhances manuscript acceptance.

Outlook:

• Implementing these guidelines can improve the efficiency and fairness of the peer review system.
• Authors who follow best practices are more likely to achieve positive review outcomes.
• This advice aims to foster a more constructive and less adversarial peer review experience.