Creating a review report first begins with a thorough evaluation of the manuscript. Editors use this to inform their decision of whether or not to proceed with publication, and authors use your feedback to revise and strengthen their paper.
Before you begin
Take a moment to scan through the manuscript and write a paragraph summarizing its contents. This will show the editor your understanding of the material and care in preparing the report. Consider the readability and suitability of the manuscript for the journal’s audience.
Title, abstract, keywords
- Titles: Accurate and can catch the reader’s attention
- Abstracts: Clear, short summary of the full manuscript. Contains enough information to stand alone and be understood by a researcher outside your specialty
- Keywords: Relevant and can help readers discover the article. Addresses the importance of the research
Introduction
- Provides essential background knowledge and context on the topic
- Effectively demonstrates the importance of the research question
- References mentioned are current, accurate, and necessary
Materials and Methods
- Methods are appropriate, current, and properly cited
- Show how all data in the results section were obtained
- Should be clearly described so readers can potentially repeat experiments
- Study design is not biased in a way that may affect the results and subsequent conclusions
Results, Figures, and Statistics
- Results: Should be analysed and interpreted correctly
- Figures: Presents results clearly and without manipulation. Includes appropriate headings, legends, descriptions and relevant measures of uncertainty
- Statistical analysis: Statistical tests used were appropriate for the data. Potential sources of bias are also addressed
Discussion and Conclusion
- Discussion: Result interpretations address the research question and are put in context with previous research
- Conclusion: Revisits the research question, addresses the impact of the results, describes potential limitations, and suggests future experiments
References
- Showcase the depth of current research and helps bolster the credibility of the results
- Provide sufficient background to make conclusions about the research presented
- Contain essential, current studies from a variety of source
Writing your report
Once you’ve conducted a detailed evaluation, you’re ready to begin writing your report. The purpose of your report is to recommend whether or not the manuscript gets published and to provide feedback that can help authors improve their manuscript.
Your report is broken down into two sections:
Comments for the Editor:
- Provide your publication recommendation and reasoning
- Reflect on the overall quality of the paper and the extent of revisions you found necessary
- Describe the impact of the research for the field and the journal
Comments for the Author and Editor:
- Divide your report into two sections, “major” and “minor” issues
- Organize your comments using a numbered list
- Provide feedback using your section-by-section evaluation
Offer constructive feedback by pointing out strengths and suggesting ways to address weaknesses. Avoid negative wording, personal comments, or overly brief and direct statements to help keep the revision process productive for everyone involved.
You may be involved in subsequent revision cycles, so make sure to be fair and considerate as you communicate suggestions and negotiate revisions with the author and editor.
How to get involved
Want to learn more about evaluating manuscripts and constructing reviewer reports while connecting with researchers all around the world?
The Springer Nature Reviewer Programme, through our dedicated Reviewing Editor role, aims to help peer reviewers across all disciplines feel better supported, prepared, and rewarded for their contributions. Access training courses, guides, exclusive events, and networking opportunities all designed to enhance your peer reviewer experience.
Interested in becoming a Reviewing Editor? Apply on our official form today!
Learn more about the programme, hear from current Reviewing Editors, and explore our benefits on the Springer Nature Reviewer Programme homepage. For more specific questions, please contact reviewer.engagement@springernature.com.
We look forward to your application and welcoming you to our community of Reviewing Editors!
Want to learn more about the responsibilities of a peer reviewer? Check out our guide on “How to Become a Good Reviewer”.
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