1603 edanz keio part i

Trevor Lane, PhD Kate Harris, PhD

Author Success Workshop:

Effectively Communicating Your Research

Keio University

4 March 2016 (Part I)

S

Be an effective communicator

Your goal is not only to be published, but also to be widely read and cited

Preparing well and developing your writing skills

Logically communicating your ideas in your manuscript

Making the best first impression

Confidently navigating the peer review process

Section 1

Preparing well and developing your writing skills

Skills needed on the path to publication success

Preparation

Journal Selection

Writing

Submission

Peer Review

Publication Success

• Training in reading papers, ethics, writing, presenting

• Expert Scientific Review

• Expert Scientific Review

• Journal Selection & submission strategy

• Training in ethics, writing, presenting

• Revising • Editing • Reformatting

• Training in ethics, writing

• Editing • Abstract

Development • Cover Letter

Development • Reviewer

Recommendation

• Training in navigating peer review

• Review Editing • Point-by-point

checking • Response

Letter Development

• Reformatting

• Press release, news writing

• Media & presentation training

• Training for early career researchers

• Training in writing grant proposals

• Grant proposal editing

Coverage and Staffing Plan Prepare well

Logically organize your ideas; adhere to journal

& international guidelines

Communicate well in English

Factors to consider when writing a manuscript

Importance of planning

Draft outline & draft abstract/title;

Draft & revise manuscript

Edit manuscript & finalize

abstract/title

Choose your journal early!


Choose your journal early!

Author guidelines • Manuscript structure • Word limits, References • Procedures, Copyright

Aims and scope • Topics • Readership • Be sure to emphasize

• Learn writing style • Check relevant references • Check originality, importance & usefulness!


Factors to consider when choosing a journal

Aims & scope, Readership

Publication speed/frequency

Online/Print, Open access

Indexing, Rank, Impact factor

Acceptance rate/criteria

Article type / evidence level

“Luxury” / Traditional / Megajournal

Online first, Supplemental materials, Cost, Copyright

Cascading review, Fast track

Coverage and Staffing Plan Prepare well Journal Selector

www.edanzediting.co.jp/journal_selector

Insert your proposed abstract/title or keywords


Filter/sort by: • Field of study • Impact factor • Indexed in SCI • Open access • Publishing frequency

Journal Selector www.edanzediting.co.jp/journal_selector

Journal’s aims & scope, IF, and publication frequency

• Author guidelines • Journal website

Similar abstracts


THINK Trusted and appropriate?

SUBMIT Only if OK

thinkchecksubmit.org

CHECK Do you know the journal?

Trustworthy journals


Increase impact

High quality research

Logical, engaging, useful message

Original and novel research

Well-designed, well-reported,

transparent study News value, importance, timeliness

What journals want

High scientific & technical quality, appropriate & clear methods,

sound research & publication ethics

High readability & interest; clear, real-

world relevance

Impact factor (past 2 years) = No. of citations / No. of articles


Submissions

Plagiarism

Data manipulation

Authorship

Submit to only one journal at a time; do not republish the same paper; no salami

Paraphrase and cite all sources

Do not fabricate or falsify data; do not manipulate parts of images

Study design or data acquisition/analysis; Writing/revising; Approval; Accountable

Publication ethics

Funding & COIs Disclose any funding and financial/personal

relationships

Safety Humans: Approval, signed consent, privacy;

animal and environmental safety

Committee on Publication Ethics, COPE


Where to start?

Your findings form the basis of your manuscript

First organize your findings

Logic, then English language

Figure 1

Figure 2

Table 1

Figure 3

Logical flow • Chronology • Most to least

important • General to

specific • Whole+parts

Is anything missing?

? Additional analyses?

Use your illustrations to structure your manuscript

Coverage and Staffing Plan Prepare well Prepare an outline

I. Introduction A. General background B. Related studies C. Problems in the field D. Aims

II. Methods A. Subjects/Samples/Materials B. General methods C. Specific methods D. Statistical analyses

III. Results A. Key points about Figure 1 B. Key points about Table 1 C. Key points about Figure 2 D. Key points about Figure 3 E. Key points about Figure 4

IV. Discussion A. Major conclusion B. Key findings that support conclusion C. Relevance to published studies D. Limitations E. Unexpected results F. Implications G. Future directions

Write key ideas in bullet points, as IMRaD (=Intro, Methods, Results and Discussion)

No need for full sentences yet Draft title/abstract early; finalize later Draft article by IMRaD section Get feedback & revise each section Revise content/logic before language Get help: presubmission peer review &

editing by a native English speaker

When using information from other articles: Paraphrase with

citations!

Coverage and Staffing Plan Prepare well The ‘write’ order

How does your study contribute to your field?

What did you find?

What did you do?

Why did you do the study?

Title/Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion


Title/Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Title/Abstract

Methods

Results

Discussion

Introduction

Abstract /Title

write

The ‘write’ order


Keep it simple!

Use short sentences 15–20 words; one idea per sentence

Prefer simpler/shorter words

Use active voice Simpler, more direct, and easier to read

Most writing style guides and journals prefer it… “Nature journals prefer authors to write in the active voice”

www.nature.com/authors/author_resources/how_write.html

Improving readability

Coverage and Staffing Plan Prepare well Avoid mistakes 1

Prefer Enough Clear Determine Begin Attempt, Try Size Keep After Enough End Use

Avoid complexity Adequate Apparent Ascertain Commence Endeavor Magnitude* Retain Subsequent to Sufficient Terminate* Utilization *OK in certain fields (magnitude of earthquakes, to terminate gene expression)

Coverage and Staffing Plan Prepare well Avoid mistakes 2

Delete extra words!

“A number of studies have shown that the charged group...”

“...as described in our previous study.”

“...at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min.”

“As a matter of fact, such a low-temperature reaction…”

“That is another reason why, we believe…”

“It is well known that most of the intense diffraction peaks...” “It is well known that Most of the intense diffraction peaks...”

“As a matter of fact, such a This low-temperature reaction…”

“A number of studies have shown that The charged group...”

“That is thus another reason why Therefore, we believe…”

“...as described previously in our previous study.”

“...at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min.”


Avoid redundancy At a concentration of 2 g/L At a temperature of 37C In order to In the first place Four in number Green color Subsequent to Prior to Future plans; past history Extremely unique At the present time

Prefer At 2 g/L At 37C To First Four Green After Before Plans; history Unique Now

Avoid mistakes 3


Estimate Estimation

Decide Decision

Assess Assessment

We made a/an… We conducted a/an… Extra verb

We decided… Clear, short, and direct

Avoid mistakes 4

Don’t hide verbs inside nouns!


Compared with is for saying how things are different

The performance of our algorithm was high compared

to the previous algorithm.

The performance of our algorithm was high compared with that of the previous algorithm.

The performance of our algorithm was higher than that of the previous one.

Avoid mistakes 5


1. You deserve the funding, but the study design is not perfect.

Which sentence suggests that you

will get funding?

2. The study design is not perfect, but you deserve the funding.

Academic English writing style 1


The study design is not perfect, but you deserve the

funding. The grant will be awarded in two stages.

Stress position

Topic position

Readers focus at the end of the sentence for what is important. Information in this stress position can also introduce

the topic of the next sentence (useful for explanations and processes).



The local government has been striving to introduce Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. In college science education, technology was introduced through the ICT-Connect-TED project. The program aimed at improving the quality of lecturers through the use of ICT. ICT-Connect-TED recently provided computers and a networking infrastructure to selected tertiary colleges.

idea idea idea idea

Topic link

sentence

Adapted from: Kafyulilo et al. Educ Inf Technol. 5 May 2015; DOI 10.1007/s10639-015-9398-0



Lecturers were positive about the effectiveness of technology in teaching. They reported the effectiveness of technology on students’ learning, and on simplifying their teaching process. Most of the lecturers reported to be comfortable and satisfied with the outcomes of the technology-integrated lessons they had developed and taught during the professional development program. One of the lecturers from College A said,…

idea idea idea idea

Topic link


Information in the topic position can introduce the topic of the next sentence

(useful for definitions, descriptions, and narratives).



The findings in this study are presented in four sections. The first section presents the continuation of technology use in teaching. The second section presents the factors affecting the continuation of use of technology in teaching among lecturers who participated in the study. The third section presents the college management view on the impact of the professional development program and the institutional challenges of using technology in teaching. In the final section, the enabling and hindering factors affecting the continuation of technology are summarized.

idea idea idea idea

Topic link


Information in the stress position can introduce the topic of the next few sentences

(useful for lists and describing whole/parts).


Activity 1

Please see Activity 1 in your workbook

Section 2

Logically communicating your ideas in your manuscript

Manuscripts with impact Introduction

Why is your study needed?

Current state of the field

Background information

Aim

Problem in the field

Previous studies

Current study

General

Specific Importance/Hypothesis

Worldwide relevance? Broad/specialized?

Up-to-date, International Not too many self-cites

Specific aim/approach/contents Preview results? Literature review?

Manuscripts with impact Problem/knowledge gap

However, …an alternative approach… …a challenge …a need for clarification… …a problem/weakness with… …has not been dealt with… …remains unstudied …requires clarification …is not sufficiently (+ adjective) …is ineffective/inaccurate/inadequate/inconclusive/incorrect ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Few studies have… There is an urgent need to… There is growing concern that… Little evidence is available on… It is necessary to… Little work has been done on…

Key phrases

Manuscripts with impact


Your aims must directly address the problem

Study sample

Variables Outcome

Lithium manganese spinel electrodes

Excess lithium ions Particle size

Pyrolysis conditions

Improved physical and electrochemical

properties Modified from: Potapenko et al. Mater Renew Sustain Energy. 2015; 4: 40.

Writing the Introduction

For lithium manganese spinel electrodes, obtaining substituted spinels of a general formula Li[LiqMn2-q]O4 and decreasing the size of particles by pyrolysis lead to better cycling ability….However, particles exhibit fast aggregation upon thermal treatment with citric acid pyrolysis in air.


Your aims must directly address the problem

We describe the properties of Li[Li0.033Mn1.967]O4 after pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere. Its particle size is smaller, the degree of aggregation is lower, and high-rate properties are better than for its analogue pyrolyzed in air.

Study aims

Modified from: Potapenko et al. Mater Renew Sustain Energy. 2015; 4: 40.


Writing the Introduction

For lithium manganese spinel electrodes, obtaining substituted spinels of a general formula Li[LiqMn2-q]O4 and decreasing the size of particles by pyrolysis lead to better cycling ability….However, particles exhibit fast aggregation upon thermal treatment with citric acid pyrolysis in air.


Describe all aspects of the design

Methods

What was done

• Variables measured, questionnaires • Processes, treatments, measurements • Transcription, coding, theme analysis

• Quantification; models/equations • Statistical tests (& P level) • Consult a statistician

What was studied

• Tests, controls • Number of samples/sets of tests • Materials/texts/equipment (+ maker)

Data analysis

Manuscripts with impact Methods

Established techniques

• Cite previously published studies • Briefly state modifications • Use flow chart/table if needed

• Explain purposes; justify choices • Give enough detail for reproducibility • Use Supplementary Information

Organization • Arrange in (titled) subsections • Keep parallel to the display items • Use topic sentences to start sections

New techniques

Caution notices for dangerous substances/processes …No incidents occurred; researchers have to be qualified and trained, and use

suitable protocols, precautions, and facilities


“We used NMR spectroscopy to determine the structure of the polymers.”

We name of

technique investigate

name of property.

study

measure

confirm

determine

used to

Method------------------------------Purpose

Method – Purpose

Methods


“To determine the structure of the polymers, we used NMR spectroscopy.”

we name of

technique.

used

Purpose-----------------------------Method

Purpose – Method

investigate

name of property,

study

measure

confirm

determine

To

Methods

Manuscripts with impact Results

Present results logically and factually

• Synthesis, characteristics • Group, subgroups • Algorithm, trial, improvement

• Each subsection relates to one figure and method

• What you found, not what it means

• Use Supplementary Information

• Data accessibility

Logical presentation

Subsections

Factual description


Combined Results–Discussion

Results Interpretation

Figure 1


Figure 2


Figure 3


Figure 4

Initial observation


Characterization

Application


Combined Methods– Results–Discussion

Method & Results Interpretation

Figure 1


Figure 2


Figure 3


Figure 4

Initial observation


Characterization

Application


Describe relationships among your results

High school students increased their use of social media by 32.7%, increased media downloads by 12.3%, and increased media uploads by 7.3%. Undergraduates increased their use of social media by 22.3%, increased media downloads by 15.6%, and increased media uploads by 2.4%. Postgraduates increased their use of social media by 38.1%, increased media downloads by 6.9%, and decreased media uploads by 9.2%.


Describe relationships among your results

Postgraduates reported the greatest increase in use of social media (38.1%), followed by high school students (32.7%) and undergraduates (22.3%).

However, postgraduates showed the lowest increase in media downloads (6.9%) compared with high school students (12.3%) and undergraduates (15.6%).

Furthermore, postgraduates reported a reduction in media uploads (by 9.2%), whereas high school students and undergraduates increased media uploading by 7.3% and 2.4%, respectively.

Manuscripts with impact Discussion

Summary of findings

Relevance

Conclusion

Similarities/differences Unexpected/negative results Limitations (validity, reliability)

Implications

Previous studies

Current study

Future studies

Specific

General

How do you advance your field?


Modified from: Wang et al. Ecological Engineering 2016; 76: 66–74.

State the major conclusion of the study

Discussion of a long paper – Beginning

Re-introduction

Conclusion

Problem

Flood indicators are generally used to understand floods from a management perspective. However, any single indicator alone cannot reflect a flood process properly because a flood event is described by complex factors influencing the variation of flood intensity, just like the five indicators proposed in this paper. The clustering technique was proved to be an effective tool to evaluate the effects of flood intensity. The cluster detection algorithm searches for groups or cluster of data elements that are similar to one another….


Check your interpretations

0

10

20

30

40

50

1 2 3 4 5

Over 5 days of reverse bias

reliability testing the current of

the devices increased from 32 ±

10 μA to 43 ± 17 μA (Figure 2).

This rise in current may be

explained by…

Do you agree with this interpretation?

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1 2 3 4 5Time (days)

Cu

rren

t (μ

A)

Is this real?


Chiswick Chap, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toulmin_Argumentation_Example.gif, CC-BY-SA-3.0

Making claims

Toulmin model of argumentation


The public’s opinions of media technology showed both overlaps with and additional aspects to media professionals’ opinions….The public’s statements brought insight on…

Most of the included studies have been conducted in US-American public education settings; thus, the transferability of results to other settings is limited…. Integrating the public’s perspective broadens the existing understanding of media technology design and should therefore be considered as a complimentary measuring tool….

Start of Discussion: summary of findings

Conclusions: main conclusion & implication

Match extent, confidence, precision

Limitations

Making claims

Data

Claims

Qualifier

Rebuttal

Warrant


How safe is mist netting? evaluating the risk of injury and mortality to birds

Our analysis points to some important associations, but is also limited….While on one hand, our narrow geographical focus controls for household socio-economic and geographical factors that may differ across regions of India, a larger-n study exploring similar research questions that would be generalizable to larger geographical regions may yield a higher impact on future household air pollution reduction interventions. Despite these limitations, our analysis yields important lessons for the next generation of cookstove programs.

Identify limitations

Discussing limitations

Address limitations

End positively: give the bad news first

“Social, Economic, and Resource Predictors of Variability in Household Air Pollution from Cookstove Emissions”

Modified from: Yadama et al. PLOS ONE October 3, 2012, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046381.


How safe is mist netting? evaluating the risk of injury and mortality to birds

Identify limitations

Discussing limitations

Modified from: Yadama et al. PLOS ONE October 3, 2012, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046381.

Our analysis points to some important associations, but is also limited….While on one hand, our narrow geographical focus controls for household socio-economic and geographical factors that may differ across regions of India, a larger-n study exploring similar research questions that would be generalizable to larger geographical regions may yield a higher impact on future household air pollution reduction interventions. Despite these limitations, our analysis yields important lessons for the next generation of cookstove programs.

Address limitations

“Social, Economic, and Resource Predictors of Variability in Household Air Pollution from Cookstove Emissions”

End positively: Good news last & in long, main clause!

Manuscripts with impact Discussion – End

Why is your study important?

May be a separate section

May be a “Future work” section

In conclusion, polymeric nanoparticles could be used as a generic carrier of hydrophobic drugs for efficient delivery. Compared with drug administration alone, these nanoparticles mediated a higher and more rapid uptake of the encapsulated drug by nanoparticle-cell contact-mediated transfer. A contact-mediated mechanism of delivery into the cytosol could enable effective delivery of anticancer drugs directly to the intracellular molecular targets. Further understanding of this contact-based transfer mechanism will be important to exploit this novel delivery system for the administration of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs to improve cancer therapy.

Conclusion

Key result

Implications

Importance & Future

directions

Modified from: Snipstad et al. Cancer Nanotech. 2014; 5: 8.

Manuscripts with impact Discussion – End

What do you want people to remember?

May be a separate section

May be a “Future work” section

We have demonstrated here that genes explain a larger proportion of differences between children in second language achievement than do shared environmental influences of school and home. Our bivariate results for twins demonstrate a general genetic factor of language achievement in the sense that achievement in English and second language is influenced to a large extent by the same genes. It is important to note that genes not only influence aptitude and achievement, but also appetite for knowledge. Such genotype–environment correlation may be increasingly important during adolescence. Our future research thus involves longitudinal study of second language achievement.

Conclusion

Key finding

Implications

Future directions

Modified from: Rimfeld et al. Transl Psychiatry. 2015;5:e638.

Manuscripts with impact Story line and consistency

General background

Aims

Methodology

Results and figures

Summary of findings

Implications for the field

Relevance of findings


Current state of the field Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Solution

Situation/Problem

Evaluation/Comment

Activity 2

Please see Activity 2 in your workbook

Section 3

Making the best first impression

Customer Service Marketing your work Title and abstract

First impression of paper: clear/concise/convincing

Importance of your results

Validity of your conclusions

Relevance of your aims

It sells your work: Readers judge your style & credibility

Often first/only part that is read by

readers & reviewers

Your title & abstract summarize your study


Title

Important points

Only the main idea Accurate, simple Population/model Include keywords Fewer than 20 words Hanging title:

method/study type

Avoid

Unneeded words (A/The, A study of) Complex or sensational words Complex word order Abbreviations “New” or “novel”


Interrogative Want to scale in centralized systems?

Think peer-to-peer

Indicative/ Descriptive

Network performance of multiple virtual machine live migration in

cloud federations

… + Approach (subtitle)

Xxxxxxx: real-life evaluation; Xxxxxxx: a software engineering

perspective

Assertive/ Declarative

Health literacy does not narrow the education-based e-health gap /

Education-based e-health gap not narrowed by health literacy

Title

Modified from: J Internet Serv Appl; J Med Internet Res


Context Background, problem, aim

Results Outcomes, effects,

properties, statistics

Conclusion Relevance, implications Learning points, future

Methods Subjects/materials/systems Treatments, measurements

No unusual abbreviations, no figures/tables, usually no references

Abstract

Customer Service Marketing your work Unstructured abstract

Malsch et al. Perspectives. 2015; 17: 215.

The international dialogue on responsible governance of nanotechnologies engages a wide range of actors with conflicting as well as common interests. It is also characterised by a lack of evidence-based data on uncertain risks of, in particular, engineered nanomaterials. The present paper aims at deepening understanding of the collective decision making context at international level using the grounded theory approach as proposed by Glaser and Strauss in “The Discovery of Grounded Theory” (1967). This starts by discussing relevant concepts from different fields including sociological and political studies of international relations as well as political philosophy and ethics. This analysis of current trends in international law making is taken as a starting point for exploring the role that a software decision support tool could play in multi-stakeholder global governance of nanotechnologies. These theoretical ideas are then compared with the current design of the SUN Decision Support System (SUNDS) under development in the European project on Sustainable Nanotechnologies (SUN, www. sun-fp7.eu). Through constant comparison, the ideas are also compared with requirements of different stakeholders as expressed during a user workshop. This allows for highlighting discussion points for further consideration.

Customer Service Marketing your work Unstructured abstract

Malsch et al. Perspectives. 2015; 17: 215.

The international dialogue on responsible governance of nanotechnologies engages a wide range of actors with conflicting as well as common interests. It is also characterised by a lack of evidence-based data on uncertain risks of, in particular, engineered nanomaterials. The present paper aims at deepening understanding of the collective decision making context at international level using the grounded theory approach as proposed by Glaser and Strauss in “The Discovery of Grounded Theory” (1967). This starts by discussing relevant concepts from different fields including sociological and political studies of international relations as well as political philosophy and ethics. This analysis of current trends in international law making is taken as a starting point for exploring the role that a software decision support tool could play in multi-stakeholder global governance of nanotechnologies. These theoretical ideas are then compared with the current design of the SUN Decision Support System (SUNDS) under development in the European project on Sustainable Nanotechnologies (SUN, www. sun-fp7.eu). Through constant comparison, the ideas are also compared with requirements of different stakeholders as expressed during a user workshop. This allows for highlighting discussion points for further consideration.

How does your study contribute to your field?

What did you find?

What did you do?

Why did you do the study?

Customer Service Marketing your work Cover letter to the editor

Dear Dr Struman,

Please find enclosed our manuscript entitled “Evaluation of ICT in Glasgow prognostic scoring in patients undergoing curative

resection for liver metastases,” which we would like to submit for publication as an Original Article in the International Medical

ICT Journal.

The Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) is of value for a variety of tumours. Several studies have investigated the prognostic value of the GPS in patients with metastatic breast cancer, but few studies have performed such an investigation for patients undergoing liver resection for liver metastases. Furthermore, there are currently no studies that have examined the prognostic value of the modified GPS (mGPS) using an ICT platform in these patients. The present study evaluated the mGPS using ICT in terms of its prognostic value for postoperative death in patients undergoing liver resection for breast cancer liver metastases.

A total of 318 patients with breast cancer liver metastases who underwent hepatectomy over a 15-year period were included in this study. The mGPS was calculated using ICT based on the levels of C-reactive protein and albumin, and the disease-free survival and cancer-specific survival rates were evaluated in relation to the mGPS. Prognostic significance was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Overall, the results showed a significant association between cancer-specific survival and the mGPS and carcinoembryonic antigen level, and a higher mGPS was associated with increased aggressiveness of liver recurrence and poorer survival in these patients. This study is the first to demonstrate that the preoperative mGPS via a simple ICT tool is a useful prognostic factor for postoperative survival in cancer patients undergoing curative resection. This information is immediately clinically applicable for surgeons as well as hospital information and patient record systems and health care protocol developers. As a premier journal covering ICT in health care, we believe that the International Medical ICT Journal is the perfect platform from which to share our results with all those concerned with ICT use in cancer management.

Give the background to the research

What was done and what was found

Interest to journal’s readers

Editor’s name Manuscript title

Article type

Declarations on publication ethics Suggested reviewers Contact information


Other important information:

Recommended reviewers Author’s contact information

We would like to recommend the following reviewers to evaluate our manuscript: 1. Reviewer 1 and contact information 2. Reviewer 2 and contact information 3. Reviewer 3 and contact information 4. Reviewer 4 and contact information Please address all correspondence to:

Reviewers

Contact information

Can also exclude reviewers


We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with submission to the Journal of Systems Management and Technology. This study was funded by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Last paragraph:

Declarations related to publication ethics Source of funding Conflicts of interest

Ethics

Funding

Conflicts of interest


The novel computational method presented here can more accurately evaluate the economic performance of small enterprises in emerging economies in Asia. Accurately evaluating financial performance is crucial given the high rate of small-business development worldwide. Therefore, because this method will have implications in financial modeling, small and family-owned enterprises, and emerging markets, we believe this study will be of considerable interest to the readers of the Asia Business World Today.

Why your study is interesting to the journal’s readership (para 4)

Target your journal – keywords from the Aims and Scope

Conclusion/importance

Relevance

Customer Service Marketing your work

Recommending reviewers

Where to find them?

From your reading/references, networking at conferences

How senior? Aim for mid-level researchers

Who to avoid? Collaborators (past 5 years),

researchers from your university

International list: 1 or 2 from Asia, 1 or 2 from Europe, and 1 or 2 from North America

Choose reviewers who have published in your target journal

Please see Activity 3 in your Workbook

Activity 3

Section 4

Confidently navigating the peer review process

Peer review Peer review

Blinded/ masked?

Other models

• Single-blind: Reviewers’ names not revealed to authors

• Double-/Triple-blind: Anonymous • Open: All names revealed • Transparent: Reviews published with paper • Fast Track: Expedited if public emergency

• Portable/Transferable/Cascading: Manuscript & reviews passed along

• Collaborative: Reviewers (& authors) engage with other

• Post-publication: Online public review • Pre-submission: Reviews passed to editor

Peer review What reviewers are looking for

The science

The manuscript

Relevant hypothesis Good experimental design Appropriate methodology Good data analysis Valid, useful conclusions

Logical flow of information Manuscript structure and formatting Appropriate references High readability

Innovation & Importance, Information, Interest, Influence = IMPACT

Peer review Decision letter

Ideas are not logically organized; Poor presentation Purpose and relevance are unclear Cited studies are not up-to-date Topics in the Results/Discussion are not in the Introduction Methods are unclear (variables, missing data); Ethics Wrong tests; statistical vs real-world significance Unclear statistics: Power, Need exact P values, 95% CI,

Association ≠ Causation, Confounders, Fishing expeditions Not discussed: Negative results, limitations, implications Discussion has repeated results Conclusions too general, confident, precise; not supported

Common reviewer complaints

Peer review Decision letter

“Slush pile” desk review: Rejection (not novel, no focus or rationale, wrong scope or format) / Resubmit

Peer review: Accept / Accept with minor or language revisions / Revise & resubmit / “Reject”

Hard rejection (“decline the manuscript for publication”) Flaw in design or methods, ethics Major misinterpretation, lack of evidence

Soft rejection (“cannot consider it further at this point”) Incomplete reporting or overgeneralization Additional analyses needed Presentation problem

Interpret the decision letter carefully (& after a break)

Peer review Reviewer response letter

Respond to every reviewer comment

Easy for editor & reviewers to

see changes

• Keep to the deadline; be polite • Restate reviewer’s comment; refer to line and page numbers

Use a different color font

Highlight the text

Strikethrough font for deletions


Fernando L. Natura Editor-in-Chief Environmental Engineering Modeling 2 September 2015 Dear Dr Natura, Re: Resubmission of manuscript reference No. WJS-07-5739 Please find attached a revised version of our manuscript originally entitled “Modeling population dynamics in heterogeneous landscapes in Asia,” which we would like to resubmit for consideration for publication in Environmental Engineering Modeling. The reviewer’s comments were highly insightful and enabled us to greatly improve the quality of our manuscript. In the following pages are our point-by-point responses to each of the comments. Revisions in the manuscript are shown as highlighted text. In accordance with the first comment, the title has been revised and the entire manuscript has undergone substantial English editing. We hope that the revisions in the manuscript and our accompanying responses will be sufficient to make our manuscript suitable for publication in Environmental Engineering Modeling.

Address editor personally

Manuscript ID number

Thank reviewers

Highlight major changes


Reviewer Comment: In your analysis of the data you have chosen to use a somewhat obscure fitting function (regression). In my opinion, a simple Gaussian function would have sufficed. Moreover, the results would be more instructive and easier to compare to previous results.

Response: We agree with the Reviewer’s assessment of the analysis. Our tailored function, in its current form, makes it difficult to tell that this measurement constitutes a significant improvement over previously reported values. We describe our new analysis using a Gaussian fitting function in our revised Results section (Page 6, Lines 12–18).

Agreement

Revisions Location

Why agree

Peer review

Reviewer Comment: In your analysis of the data you have chosen to use a somewhat obscure fitting function (regression). In my opinion, a simple Gaussian function would have sufficed. Moreover, the results would be more instructive and easier to compare with previous results.

Response: It’s very clear that you’re not familiar with the current analytical methods in the field. I recommend that you identify a more suitable reviewer for my manuscript.

Reviewer response letter

Peer review

Reviewer Comment: In your analysis of the data you have chosen to use a somewhat obscure fitting function (regression). In my opinion, a simple Gaussian function would have sufficed. Moreover, the results would be more instructive and easier to compare with previous results.

Response: Although a simple Gaussian fit would facilitate comparison with the results of other studies, our tailored function allows for the analysis of the data in terms of the “Pack model” [Pack et al., 2015]. Hence, we have explained the use of this function and the Pack model in our revised Discussion section (Page 12, Lines 2–6).

Evidence

Revisions

Location

Reviewer response letter

Agree or disagree with evidence

Thank you!

Any questions?

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