Peer Review Checklist
Working on a peer review? Keep this checklist handy as you go through each step.
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When you’re invited to review a manuscript
Confirm the manuscript is in your area of expertise
Make sure you have enough time
Check for competing interests
Related guide
You’ve been invited to review. Now what?
When you’re reading the manuscript
Identify the research question and key claims
Think about context and related literature
Look at the figures and tables. Are they clear? Do they represent what the study is about?
Examine the results. Are they supported by the data?
Read the conclusions. Do they make sense?
Check the methods. Are they appropriate and reproducible?
Review the journal guidelines and publication criteria
Keep everything confidential!
Related guide
How to read a manuscript as a peer reviewer
When you’re writing the report
Start with a summary of the research
State your overall impression
Number your comments and separate them into “major” and “minor” issues
Give concrete examples
Refer to specific sections and page numbers
Don’t focus on spelling and grammar
Be professional and respectful
Indicate if you’re available to look at the revised version
Include positive feedback too!
Finish on time
Related guide
How to write a peer review