How to review journal manuscripts.

Area of Science:

• Bibliometrics
• Scholarly Communication
• Scientific Publishing

Background:

• Peer review is critical for selecting quality scientific articles.
• The manuscript review process is often learned through trial and error, leading to challenges for reviewers.
• Novice reviewers frequently find the process non-intuitive, impacting their engagement and effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive primer for manuscript reviewers.
• To minimize errors and enhance the reviewer experience in academic publishing.
• To offer guidance on various aspects of the peer review process.

Main Methods:

• The primer covers essential steps in manuscript review.
• It includes advice on responding to invitations and crafting feedback.
• Guidance is provided on manuscript disposition and handling revisions.

Main Results:

• The guide aims to equip reviewers with skills to navigate the peer review process more effectively.
• It addresses key responsibilities and offers strategies for constructive criticism.
• The content is designed to be beneficial for both new and experienced academic reviewers.

Conclusions:

• This primer serves as a valuable resource for improving the quality and efficiency of manuscript review.
• By following the guidance, reviewers can contribute more confidently and effectively to scholarly communication.
• Enhancing reviewer training is essential for maintaining the integrity of the scientific publishing ecosystem.