Tips on how to become a peer reviewer
Expert advice from the former Head of Reviewer Programs at Taylor & Francis
From boosting your academic career to staying on top of the latest research, there are many benefits to becoming a reviewer of research papers.
If you’re not sure where to start, Diana Marshall, former Head of Reviewer Programs at Taylor & Francis, shares 5 top tips on how to become a reviewer for scholarly journals – including raising your profile, gaining experience, and formal training.
For more advice on the peer review process, take a look at our peer review guide for authors or sign up to our weekly Research Insights newsletter for tips on getting your own research published.
5 tips on how to become a peer reviewer
1. Build your profile
The Editor needs to know who you are and what you are an expert on. Make sure that your online profiles are up-to-date, and that you have shared your expertise through platforms like ORCiD.
2. Make yourself discoverable
Help the Editor know your interests and review experience. Creating a Clarivate profile as someone interested in reviewing can make you easier to find.
3. Peer review experience: co-review with a colleague
Many journals will be happy for you to co-review with an experienced colleague. You just need to ask for the journal editor’s approval first. Talk to senior members of your department about working with them on some reviews.
4. Peer review experience: volunteer to review
Some journals welcome volunteer reviewers. Make sure you share your research experience when contacting the journal or editor you’re interested in reviewing for.
5. Learn how to be an expert reviewer
Want to find out more about being a peer reviewer and get some training and experience? Join one of our online training sessions and get the opportunity to be linked with journals in your subject area.
Our popular guide to becoming a peer reviewer covers everything you need to know, including:
The peer review process
Writing review reports
Ethical guidelines for peer reviewers
Reviewer recognition
Post information
Related posts
Listen to our podcast on becoming a reviewer
Head of Reviewer Programs at Taylor & Francis, Diana Marshall, shares more top tips and expert advice on how to become a reviewer for scholarly journals. Download the transcript here.
Where to next?
If you’ve found these tips helpful make sure you:
Download our Article submission and peer review free guide
Guide to peer review appeal and complaints from authors
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