Response to Reviewers Template

Peer Review Tool

Respond to Peer Review With Precision

A professionally structured template that helps you address reviewer comments systematically, increase acceptance chances, and maintain professional communication with journal editors.

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Response to Reviewers – Manuscript #JCR-2024-045
Word Template
Reviewer 1 – Comment 1
The introduction does not clearly establish the research gap. Please clarify how your study differs from prior work.
Authors' Response
We thank the reviewer for this observation. We have revised the introduction (pages 3-4, lines 45-62) to explicitly state the gap: while prior studies examined X, none have investigated Y in the context of Z. The manuscript has been revised accordingly on page 4, lines 58-62.
Reviewer 2 – Comment 1
The sample size appears small. Please justify or discuss this as a limitation.
Authors' Response
We appreciate this valid concern. We have added a power analysis (page 12, lines 310-325) demonstrating adequate statistical power, and acknowledged the sample size limitation in the discussion section (page 28, lines 712-718). The revised section can be found on page 12 and 28.
Decision Types

Templates for Every Review Decision

Choose the appropriate response format based on your revision decision

Major Revisions
Major Revision Response

Comprehensive template for substantial revisions requiring additional experiments, analyses, or restructuring.

  • Point-by-point structure with comment numbering
  • Detailed manuscript change log table
  • Tracked-changes submission guide
  • Line-number and page references
  • Response to both reviewers and editor
Minor Revisions
Minor Revision Response

Concise template for addressing language, formatting, or clarification requests.

  • Streamlined reply format
  • Quick acknowledgment of corrections
  • Summary table of all changes
  • Polite, professional tone guidance
  • Optional tracked changes reference
Reject & Resubmit
Resubmission Response

Template for overhauled manuscripts being resubmitted after initial rejection.

  • Comprehensive changes layout
  • Before/after comparison format
  • New contribution highlights
  • Separate cover letter to editor
  • Response to previous reviews
Document Structure

Anatomy of a Well-Structured Response

Essential components that increase your chances of manuscript acceptance

Section Purpose Status Best Practice
Preamble / Opening Letter Thank editors and reviewers; reference manuscript ID, title, and revision type. Required Always address the editor by name. Keep tone respectful and professional.
Summary of Major Changes Provide a high-level overview of all revisions (1-2 paragraphs maximum). Required Highlight the most significant changes first; save details for point-by-point.
Point-by-Point Replies Address every comment individually. Reproduce each comment before responding. Required Number comments to match original review. Use bold or italics for clarity.
Manuscript Change Log Indicate exact page, line numbers, and description of each change made. Required Submit tracked-changes version alongside clean version for editor convenience.
Conflicts / Excluded Reviewers Optionally recommend or exclude reviewers for subsequent review rounds. Optional Provide valid reasons (e.g., competing interests) without being confrontational.
Closing Statement Thank the editorial team and express willingness for further revisions. Optional A brief, confident closing (1-2 sentences) leaves a positive final impression.
Download Response Template (Word)

Includes: Major revisions • Minor revisions • Reject & resubmit formats