Peer review by independent, anonymous referees is one of the most important reasons for the existence of a scientific journal. The journal reader benefits in that at least one independent expert has judged the paper to be new and interesting, to contribute to the advancement of the field, and to be without apparent flaws. Of course, it is impossible for either the journal or the referee(s) to guarantee the correctness or the originality of the research. The author benefits from feedback regarding the research and style of presentation as well as from pride in a refereed publication.
Because scientific research is a human enterprise we must all rely upon one another, as authors and referees, to do our best. Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) concerning the review process. For more information, please consult the Editorial Policies and Practices which are available via the journal home pages and at http://authors.aps.org/.
- How are Referees Chosen?
- Can I Suggest Individuals to Review My Paper?
- Can I Exclude Individuals from Reviewing My Paper?
- How Many Referees Review My Paper?
- Are All Papers Reviewed by Referees?
- How Many Revisions Will I Have to Make?
- Can I Request Another Referee?
- Can a Referee Reject My Paper?
- What Should I Do When a Referee Criticizes My Paper?
- Why Does the Referee Ask Me to Cite so Many Papers?
- Why Does My Paper Sit in the Office so Long Without Any Apparent Activity?
- What Can I Do to Speed the Acceptance and Publication of My Paper?
How Are Referees Chosen? Top
The editors choose one or more referees from a common database of thousands of potential referees. This database has no borders between different areas of physics. The editors choose referees based on many factors including a referee's area of expertise and availability (we try to avoid overburdening referees), quality of reports, and response time.
Can I Suggest Individuals to Review My Paper? Top
You most certainly can! In fact, it helps the editors if you suggest knowledgeable individuals. However, generally, the editors will not select people who are at the same institution as one of the authors; who have collaborated with the authors; who are currently reviewing another manuscript or have reviewed one very recently; or who have been overworked recently as a referee for APS journals.
Can I Exclude Individuals from Reviewing My Paper? Top
You may send such a request when you submit your manuscript. Please give the names of a few specific people, not names of research groups, collaborations, or institutions, and include a brief explanation. Such requests are generally honored, but see also the response to the next question.
How Many Referees Review My Paper? Top
This varies somewhat among journals. For most papers, the editors choose one or two persons (depending on the practice of the journal) to initially review your paper. However, if it comments negatively on another published paper, then an author of that paper may be asked to provide a signed advisory opinion. In some cases, the editors may choose a different number of initial referees for reasons specific to the manuscript, e.g., the need for more than one type of expertise, uncertainty about the availability of a particular expert, etc. If a referee is tardy, the editors may choose an additional referee, and if the tardy referee then responds, we may receive more anonymous reports than usual. If an impasse is reached between author and referee, then the editors may consult another referee in an effort to close the review process. This may happen at any time while the manuscript is under review.
Are All Papers Reviewed by Referees? Top
No. The editors reject some manuscripts which they judge to be clearly unsuitable for the journal. However, no articles are accepted without review by external referees. It is the editors' experience that even eminently suitable papers can benefit from careful examination by an expert referee, who may help improve the clarity and impact of the paper.
How Many Revisions Will I Have to Make? Top
The editors seek to reach a final decision after one or two rounds of revisions and/or rebuttal.
Can I Request Another Referee? Top
Yes. Generally the handling editor will grant this request if he or she feels that an impasse has been reached. Since the referees are chosen because of their familiarity with the subject matter of the manuscript, it is important to respond to their criticisms even if a different referee is to be consulted. The editors will generally not override a negative recommendation based on scientific criticisms unless an expert referee so advises.
Can a Referee Reject My Paper? Top
No; only the editors can reject your paper.
What Should I Do When a Referee Criticizes My Paper? Top
Read the referee report carefully and dispassionately. Approach the report with an open mind. What may at first seem like a devastating blow is perhaps a request for more information or for a more detailed explanation. At other times the referee may indeed have found a fatal flaw in the research or logic. Put yourself in the position of a reader, which is exactly the position of the referee. Is the paper well written? Is the presentation clear, unambiguous, and logical? Respond to all referee comments, suggestions, and criticisms. Explain which changes have been made and state your position on points of disagreement. In our experience, appropriate response to some referee comments may require more research or even reconsideration of the research project.
Why Does the Referee Ask Me to Cite So Many Papers? Top
Assign credit where credit is due. Not only is it proper and customary to cite previous work on the topic of your research, it also demonstrates your knowledge of the subject. Moreover, it helps the less knowledgeable reader understand the history of the subject and how your work contributes to the advancement of the field. Finally, since more and more papers are hyperlinked, more people can find your paper if you cite all relevant papers; eventually, your paper will be cited more often.
Why Does My Paper Sit in the Office So Long Without Any Apparent Activity? Top
Often this has nothing to do with your paper specifically but with a temporary overload of work for the editors and staff. Manuscript submissions follow a seasonal pattern with, for example, perhaps 20% more manuscripts submitted in June or July than in January or February. This puts a large burden on the process at a time when fewer referees, editors, and staff may be available due to summer travel. At other times of the year, some events, such as the leading annual meeting in the field of the journal (or journal section), may reduce the availability of referees and editors. We make every effort to handle manuscripts promptly but these large fluctuations in workload and availability cause occasional delays.
What Can I Do to Speed the Acceptance and Publication of My Paper? Top
First and foremost, spend the time and effort to write a paper that is clear and grammatically correct. If English is not your native language, consider asking someone else to proofread your paper before submission. Triple-check the manuscript before you submit it.
Second, if you receive a referee report requesting changes, do your best to respond to all of the points raised and detail the changes made in your resubmission letter. Take the comments and criticisms of the referee(s) very seriously. The referee is most likely one of your most interested readers.
After you receive a referee report, respond to it quickly and accurately if you desire rapid acceptance.
Finally, if you are a referee, please send in your referee report on another author's paper as quickly as you wish another referee would review your own.