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Reviewing Review

Types of Peer Review

You may find it helpful to have a passing acquaintance with the different peer review approaches a journal may take to parsing your craftwork. Knowing a journal’s editorial structure and approach will prepare you for the kind of response you may receive.

Single editor, external review
The simplest form of peer review involves a single editor and an external review panel. Panelists are usually volunteers, selected for their eminence in the field. They may take their time, but they usually give you a detailed critique of your manuscript.
Editorial board, some external review
Many academic journals use a system of unpaid editors who serve on an editorial board. In this system, a central group of one or more editors reviews all submissions and forwards those worthy of closer scrutiny to appropriate members of the board. The manuscripts that advance to that level receive detailed critique.
In-house staff, external review
Some publications have an in-house, paid editorial staff. Staff members are generally knowledgeable about the field, and the interests of their readers. The in-house staff vets all submissions prior to sending a subset out for specialist review. Quality and detail of the critique varies a great deal.
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