Read the whole decision before editing
Collect the editor's instructions, all reviewer comments and the deadline. Separate mandatory administrative items from requests requiring scientific discussion. Do not assume that a revision invitation is acceptance.
Preserve each comment and assign an owner
Create a table or structured document with the reviewer, comment number, original comment, proposed author response, action and manuscript location. Keep the wording of the comment intact so nothing is lost. Ask the relevant co-author to resolve each scientific issue.
Explain the action precisely
A response such as "Done" leaves the editor guessing. Describe the change and identify where it appears. Illustrative wording: "We have clarified the inclusion criteria in the Methods section and identified the recruitment period." Use it only when those changes were actually made.
Handle disagreements with evidence
You do not have to agree with every suggestion, but explain a reasoned decision respectfully. State what evidence supports your position, recognize genuine limitations and avoid claiming an analysis was performed when it was not. Complex statistical or methodological requests require appropriate expertise.
Reconcile the final files
Read the revised manuscript and response side by side. Check that tables, figures and supplementary documents reflect the same version. Add final page or line references only after pagination is stable. Preserve tracked and clean versions when the journal requests both.
Obtain approval and submit
Ask the author team to approve the scientific changes and required declarations. Confirm the requested file set and retain the revision confirmation. Editing can improve clarity and organization, but the journal still decides whether the revision addresses its concerns.
A response entry you can adapt
Illustrative structure. Replace every field with an accurate account of your revision.
- Reviewer comment
- Copy the reviewer’s complete comment here.
- Author response
- Explain your decision and the change you actually made, or give the evidence for a respectful disagreement.
- Manuscript location
- Section, page and line numbers in the final revised version.
Questions about response to reviewers guide
- Can an editor answer the scientific comments for me?
- An editor can help structure and phrase your response. The author team must decide and substantiate scientific answers.
- Should I copy a sample response exactly?
- No. A sample provides structure, not facts. Every statement must describe what happened in your manuscript.