Video: How to Respond to Peer Reviewer Comments

Peer review can seem like gatekeeping that hinders your research publication. But responding to peer reviewer comments is a key part of the process. In this video, Dr. Jacob Wickham offers key tips that can help you write the right responses to peer reviewer comments. 

1. Always number each reviewer comment to make it easy for editors and reviewers to follow your changes. 

2. Before replying, restate the reviewer comments as they may not remember what they wrote. 

3. Even in the case of similar comments, give separate responses to each reviewer’s feedback. 

4 Do not skip any comment and be sure to refer to line numbers in your manuscript. 

5 Appreciate the reviewer’s effort and thank them for their insights. 

6. It’s okay to disagree—but do so respectfully and justify your choices with enough evidence. 

7. If there are conflicting opinions from reviewers, choose your side and explain your reasoning.