Separate screening from review
Editors may assess scope, article category, basic reporting and suitability before inviting reviewers. A desk rejection can occur without external review. After review, the editor weighs the reports and makes the decision; reviewer recommendations are not themselves an acceptance letter.
Read the review model carefully
Terms such as single-anonymous, double-anonymous and open review describe different arrangements, but details vary. Follow the journal’s instructions for anonymizing files and check what review information may become public.
Respond with traceable changes
For a revision, list every comment, your response and the exact manuscript location. Explain a justified disagreement respectfully and support it with evidence. Check that the response letter and revised manuscript describe the same changes.
Build a genuine reviewing record
Accept a review only when the subject, time and conflict-of-interest conditions are appropriate. Follow confidentiality rules and record service through permitted channels. Do not create fake reviewer identities, trade favourable reviews or disclose confidential manuscripts to unauthorized tools or people.