WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE EDITOR’S AND REVIEWERS’ COMMENTS?

AUTOPSY THE COMMENTS
Make a “WHY” incision and dissect each comment systematically. Decide whether you are willing to complete the change or, if the comment is inappropriate or a misinterpretation of your writing, address the comment in your cover letter. Argue your case respectfully for why you didn’t make the change. Be clear in your justification; otherwise the reviewer may challenge you again.

It is critical that you address every comment by the editor and the reviewers. Make sure you itemize the comments in your letter and indicate whether you made the changes or explain why you didn’t. That covers you and insures your integrity in the process. You’re playing by the rules. The editors should also play by those same rules. Most of the time, they do.

BAD EXPERIENCE ALERT: One time during all of my submission, I received 2 out of 3 reviewers’ comments and the editor’s request to make specific changes. As I was completing the revision, I received the 3rd reviewer’s comments in the mail (back in the days of pony express), which obviously were sent in late, asking for a major revision. Is that playing fair? You be the judge. I called the editor and negotiated the changes I was willing to make. Sometimes you can get blind-sided by the blind-review process.If you were the editor, what would you have done with a late review?

SUBMIT LETTER WITH REVISION
Submit your MAJOR revision with your detailed cover letter addressing the editor’s and reviewers’ comments. When your revision is submitted, the editor will usually send it back to the same reviewers, unless they have previously indicated they don’t want to review the revision. Editors provide that professional courtesy to reviewers.

What happens to that revision? The editor either accepts it as is OR, (I know you don’t want to read the rest of this sentence, so close your eyes until you’re ready) sends it back to you for another revision. That possibility was covered in the previous blog that you skipped. Check it out.

If you plan on submitting your manuscript to another journal, should you make any revisions at all, or just submit? Why should you put yourself through that pain? The next editor doesn’t know where your manuscript has traveled on its publication journey, much less how many times it’s been whacked. Check out my next blog as your options unfold. Don’t hold your mouse so tightly. Relax.

COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC