Peer review requires collaboration between writers and one or more reviewers. If you are the writer, you can help make peer review effective by playing an active, constructive role.

It’s always helpful if you convey to your reviewers your sense of purpose. For example, you might hope your readers will learn something or change their minds about some important topic. You might want to move your readers to action or to show that change is possible. If you as the writer can clearly formulate a statement of purpose, the reviewer can be more effective in suggesting improvements.

If the reviewer does not already have them, you should brief the reviewer on the assignment instructions or the evaluation criteria (rubric) for the assignment.

It’s up to you, as the writer, to let the reviewer know the status of your text: Is it a rough draft? A very rough or exploratory draft? Perhaps you can suggest where you need help, for example, with sharpening the argument, finding a better organization, or anticipating counterarguments. If there are unfinished places in your text, say so, or mark them with brackets (for example, [I need to report another study of diet and B vitamins here.]).

Let your reviewer know if you need comments by a certain date so you can meet your own deadlines. If you expect to need another peer review after you revise your draft, you could let your reviewer know that too.

When you are a writer receiving review comments, be prepared to listen with an open attitude and avoid being defensive, quickly rejecting suggestions or rationalizing what you have done in the text. When a reviewer offers you comments or criticisms, make sure you listen and understand. You don’t have to promise to make any changes. It is enough to say “Thanks, I’ll think that over” or “Can you say more about that?” You can decide later what to do. If the review is face-to-face and oral, you should probably take some notes so that you remember all the good suggestions you hear.

If you have more than one person review your text, you will very likely receive contradictory advice. It’s the job of the writer to decide how to respond to advice, what to change, and what to leave as is.

You can set the context for a successful review by prepping your reviewer, whether the review is face-to-face or an electronic exchange of text. If face-to-face, you can talk through the situation and expectations. If electronic, you can communicate carefully via e-mail or a cover memo.

NOTE: Some instructors suggest that writers acknowledge their reviewers in a brief note at the end of their finished paper.

Student draft with peer review comments