Introduction
The review process is a vital aspect of the publication process of an article. It helps an editor decide and enables the author to improve the manuscript.
The Iranian Journal of Dermatology operates a double-blind peer review system.
Before accepting to review a manuscript, reviewers should ensure that:
- The manuscript is within their area of expertise.
- They can dedicate the appropriate time to conduct a critical review of the manuscript.
Conflict of Interest
“Conflict of interest (COI) exists when there is a divergence between an individual’s private interests (competing interests) and his or her responsibilities to scientific and publishing activities such that a reasonable observer might wonder if the individual’s behavior or judgment was motivated by considerations of his or her competing interests.” – WAME
“Reviewers should declare their relationships and activities that might bias their evaluation of a manuscript and recuse themselves from the peer-review process if a conflict exists.” – ICMJE
Confidentiality
Manuscripts are confidential materials given to a reviewer in trust for the sole purpose of critical evaluation. Reviewers should ensure that the review process is confidential. Details of the manuscript and the review process should remain confidential during and after the review process.
“Respect the confidentiality of the peer review process and refrain from using information obtained during the peer review process for your own or another’s advantage, or to disadvantage or discredit others”. – COPE
Fairness
Reviews should be honest and objective and not be influenced by:
- The origin of the manuscript
- The religious, political, or cultural viewpoints of the author
- Gender, race, ethnicity, or citizenry of the author
Review reports
In evaluating a manuscript, reviewers should focus on the following:
- Originality
- Contribution to the field
- Technical quality
- Clarity of presentation
- Depth of research
Reviewers should also observe that the author(s) have followed the instruction for authors, editorial policies, and publication ethics.
The report should be accurate, objective, constructive and unambiguous. Comments should be backed by facts and constructive arguments regarding the content of the manuscript.
Reviewers should not rewrite the manuscript; however, necessary corrections and suggestions for improvements should be made.
Timeliness
Reviewers should only accept a manuscript when they are confident that they can dedicate appropriate time to reviewing. Thus, reviewers should review and return manuscripts in a timely manner.
Recommendations
The reviewer’s recommendation should be either:
- Accept
- Requires minor corrections
- Requires major revision
- Reject
The recommendation should be backed with constructive arguments and facts based on the content of the manuscript.
You can also find basic training for reviewer tasks and a step-by-step guide to reviewing a manuscript on the journal’s website through this link.
Resources
- COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers
- ICMJE - Responsibilities in the Submission and Peer-Review Process
- WAME - Conflict of Interest in Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals