Navigating Reviewer Suggestions: A guide for authors during journal submission

Submitting a manuscript to a journal marks a critical milestone in an academic researcher's journey. However, the peer review process can be opaque, and ensuring the right experts evaluate your work is paramount. Many journals now invite authors to suggest potential reviewers, granting them a unique opportunity to shape the review process. This guide aims to empower authors with practical strategies for making effective reviewer suggestions during the journal submission process.

Understanding the Purpose of Reviewer Suggestions

When suggesting reviewers, authors play a crucial role in identifying experts who possess the requisite knowledge and experience to provide insightful feedback on their manuscripts. Moreover, suggesting appropriate reviewers helps journal editors expedite the review process by tapping into the authors' network and expertise.

Identifying Suitable Reviewers

Authors should begin by identifying researchers who have expertise relevant to their manuscript's subject matter. This includes individuals who have published seminal work in the field, possess specific methodological skills, or have a deep understanding of related topics. It is essential to consider the reviewer's academic credentials, publication history, and current research interests when making suggestions.

Authors must ensure that their suggested reviewers have no conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the review process. This includes avoiding individuals with whom the authors have collaborated closely in the past, competitors in the field, or those with personal or professional relationships that could bias their evaluation.

Excluding Conflicting Reviewers

In addition to suggesting suitable reviewers, some journals also allow authors to identify individuals to exclude from the review process. These exclusions typically involve researchers who may have conflicts of interest with the author's work, such as academic competition, personal relationships, financial gains, rivalries, or differing perspectives. It is crucial to provide clear reasons for excluding such individuals to maintain the integrity of the review process.

Crafting a Compelling Recommendation

Suggestions for potential reviewers are typically included in the cover letter submitted with the manuscript. This provides authors with an opportunity to present their recommendations and rationale directly to the journal editor.

To effectively suggest a potential peer reviewer, authors should provide a structured recommendation in the cover letter. Here's an example template:

Name of Reviewer: Dr. [Reviewer's Name]
Affiliation: ABC University

Dr. [Reviewer's Name] is a leading expert in [specific research area], with a strong publication record in high-impact journals such as [Journal Names]. Their recent work on [related topic] aligns closely with the subject matter of our manuscript titled '[Your Manuscript Title]'. We believe that Dr. [Reviewer's Name]'s expertise in [specific methodologies or techniques] would provide valuable insights into our research findings and strengthen the overall quality of the manuscript. We have no conflicts of interest to declare, and Dr. [Reviewer's Name] has not been involved in our research or collaborations in the past two years.

Practical Tips for Making Reviewer Suggestions

1. Research Thoroughly: Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify experts in your field.
2. Utilise Networking: Leverage professional networks, conferences, and collaborations to identify potential reviewers.
3. Consider Diversity: Aim for diversity in reviewer suggestions, including researchers from different institutions, geographic locations, and backgrounds.
4. Be Specific: Tailor your suggestions to the manuscript's content, highlighting reviewers' expertise that aligns with specific aspects of your research.
5. Be Concise: Keep your suggestions brief and to the point, focusing on the most relevant qualifications and avoiding unnecessary details.

Choosing Active and Unbiased Reviewers

In conclusion, it is imperative for authors to select active researchers who can offer unbiased and constructive feedback on their research. By providing detailed justifications for suggesting reviewers, authors can assist journal editors in understanding why these individuals are well-suited to provide valuable insights into the manuscript. Emphasising the significance of this process ensures that the peer review process remains rigorous and objective, ultimately contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge.