How to Solve Manuscript Queries from Journal Editorial Revisions

Responding to editorial comments on a paper involves a careful, respectful, and thorough approach. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you respond effectively:

1. Read the Comments Carefully

• Understand Each Comment: Read all the comments thoroughly to understand what the reviewers and editors are asking for.
  

• Identify Major Vs. Minor Issues: Categorize the comments into major revisions and minor corrections.

2. Prepare a Detailed Response Document

• Structure Your Response: Use a point-by-point format, addressing each comment individually.
  

• Be Polite and Professional: Start by thanking the reviewers for their feedback and highlighting how it has helped improve your work.

3. Address Each Comment

• Quote The Original Comment: Include the exact text of each comment before your response.
  

• Respond Specifically: Address the comment directly. If you agree with the suggestion, describe what changes you have made. If you disagree, provide a clear, logical explanation.
  

• Indicate Changes: Clearly state where in the manuscript changes were made (e.g., page number, section).

4. Make the Necessary Changes in Your Manuscript

• Revise Your Manuscript: Make the changes as discussed in your response document.
  

• Highlight Changes: Use a different colour or tracking feature to highlight the changes made in the revised manuscript.

5. Format Your Response Document

• Create A Table of Responses: Some journals prefer a tabular format with columns for the original comment, your response, and the changes made.
  

• Be Concise and Clear: Ensure your responses are clear and to the point.

6. Final Review

• Proofread Your Responses: Check for clarity, grammar, and spelling.
  

• Consistency: Ensure that your responses and the changes in the manuscript are consistent.

7. Submit Your Revised Manuscript and Response Document

• Follow The Journal's Submission Guidelines: Ensure you submit all required documents correctly.

Example Response

Comment from Reviewer:

Original Comment: "The introduction lacks a clear statement of the research question."

Your Response:

Response: "Thank you for pointing this out. We have revised the introduction to clearly state the research question. The revised sentence can be found on page 2, paragraph 3: 'The primary research question addressed in this study is...'."

Tips for Effective Responses

• Be Objective and Factual: Avoid emotional or defensive language.
  

• Be Appreciative: Acknowledge the reviewer’s effort and input.
  

• Provide Evidence: When disagreeing, back up your stance with data or references.
  

• Be Thorough: Do not ignore any comment, even if it seems minor.

By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and professional response to editorial comments that demonstrates your commitment to improving your work.

For more information visit our website www.hintree.org, Email your queries to publications@hintree.org