Reviewers Resource

Reviewers

Here you will find practical tips and guidance on all aspects of peer review. See how being a reviewer could benefit your career, discover what's involved in shaping a review, and learn some top writing skills.

Understanding the Peer Review Process

The peer review process followed depends on the channel the author chooses for their research. We highlight the two models used by our journals, cases, and open research platform.

Double-anonymous peer review

The reviewers aren’t told the name of the author, and the author never learns the names of the reviewers.

This is the surest way to ensure that the process is completely objective.

The focus remains on the content of the article, and the possibility of reviewer bias is eliminated. Reviewer bias may be favorable or unfavorable, conscious or unconscious.


Become a Reviewer

Wondering how to become a reviewer or whether you should accept a peer review request? We share tips to help you transition from author to reviewer and run through the many benefits reviewing can bring.

Tips for reviewing

Editors are always keen to hear from researchers ready to take the next step in their publishing careers. If you think reviewing might be the right move for you, here are a few tips:

  • If you wish to become a reviewer, please send the "area of expertise" you have so that it accurately reflects your field of knowledge. Editors frequently source potential reviewers by searching for these keywords, so they might approach you with a review request.

Reviewer Guidelines

Our reviewers play a crucial role in the publication process, with a wide range of responsibilities. We have developed some reviewer guidelines to support you at each stage of the process.

For details on the reviewer's guidelines, click here.

Why review?

Whether this is your first time reviewing or you are a seasoned professional, we explain why you should say yes next time an editor asks you to review.

  • Reviewing establishes you as an expert in your field of research – it’s a great way to enhance your academic or professional reputation.

  • You get the opportunity to read cutting-edge research before it has even been published.

  • Reviewing offers an ideal opportunity to exercise your critical thinking skills in a private arena.

  • You can return the favour – you are very likely a published author which means others have found the time to review your papers, now you can repay the courtesy.

  • Building a relationship with a journal editorial team increases your chances of being invited to join an Editorial Advisory or Review Board.

  • You could be recognised for your efforts; each year editors are asked to nominate outstanding reviewers for our Literati Awards.