Reviewer comments and response letters

Help with a revise-and-resubmit decision: working through editor and reviewer comments, revising the manuscript, and preparing a clear point-by-point response letter.

What a good response does

A revision is judged on two documents: the revised manuscript and the letter that explains it. Editors want to see that every comment was read, answered, and traced to a change in the text. Most weak responses fail on organisation, not on substance.

What we help with

Sorting the comments. Separating major from minor points, and spotting comments from different reviewers that conflict.
Planning the revision. Deciding what to change, what to add and what to respectfully decline.
Revising the manuscript. Guidance on incorporating the editor's and reviewers' points into the text.
The response letter. A point-wise reply: each comment quoted, your answer, and where the change appears in the manuscript.
Tone. Courteous and specific, including where you disagree.

Structure of a point-by-point response

A short covering note to the editor that thanks the reviewers and summarises the main changes.
Each reviewer in turn, each comment numbered and quoted in full.
Under each comment, your response in plain language.
The exact location of the change: section, page and line, with the new text quoted where it is short.
For any point not adopted, the reason and the evidence for it.

Honest revision. Responses must describe changes that were really made, and new analyses must be ones you actually ran on your own data. We do not write replies that overstate what was done.

Timing

Journals set deadlines for revisions. Tell us the deadline in your brief; expedited delivery is available for a 10% surcharge. As with every order, two correction rounds are included, and you can follow progress on your order page.

How to order

Choose the article plan that matches your journal on the plans and fees page, or send an enquiry if you are unsure which applies.

Questions about this service

What do I need to send?

The decision letter, all reviewer and editor comments, your submitted manuscript, and the journal's deadline for the revision.

Can you make sure the paper is accepted after revision?

No one can. The decision belongs to the editor. A complete, respectful and well-organised response does make it easier for the editor and reviewers to see that each point has been handled.

What if I disagree with a reviewer?

You may. A response letter can decline a suggestion, provided it explains why with evidence and a courteous tone. We help you decide which points to accept and how to argue the ones you do not.

How is this priced?

Reviewer comments are handled within the article plans, priced by the level of the journal. The plans page lists the current fixed fees.

Ready to start?

Choose a fixed-price plan, or ask a question first. We reply within one business day.

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