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OJS for EveryoneThe Practical GuidebookRSYN Research LLP

Tutorial: Complete a Peer Review

Role: Reviewer
Time: 20–60 minutes (plus reading time)
OJS Version: 3.5+

This tutorial guides you through accepting a review invitation, accessing the manuscript, completing the review form, and submitting your recommendation.

Before You Start​

  • You have received an email inviting you to review a manuscript.
  • You have a registered account on the journal (or the invitation email contains a registration link).
  • You have enough time to complete the review by the stated deadline.

Step 1 — Respond to the Invitation​

When an editor invites you to review, you receive an email with a direct link.

  1. Click the Accept / Decline link in the invitation email.
  2. You will be taken to the journal's review invitation page.
  3. Review the information shown:
    • Title and Abstract of the manuscript
    • Review due date
    • Review type (double-blind, single-blind, or open)
  4. Choose one of the options:
    • Accept Review — you agree to review the manuscript
    • Decline Review — you are unable to review at this time
Conflict of Interest

If you have a conflict of interest with the authors or the topic, click Decline Review and add a brief note explaining the conflict in the Comments field.

  1. If you accepted, click Accept Review, Continue to Step 2 to proceed.

Step 2 — Log In and Access the Review​

  1. After accepting, you are directed to the Reviewer Dashboard.
  2. Alternatively, log in manually and go to Submissions → My Queue — the assigned manuscript will appear here.
  3. Click the submission title to open the Review screen.

Step 3 — Download the Manuscript​

  1. On the Review screen, click the Review tab.
  2. Under Review Files, you will see the manuscript and any files the editor has shared with you.
  3. Click the file name to download it.
  4. Read the manuscript carefully before proceeding to the review form.
Anonymity

In a double-blind review, the manuscript should not contain author names or affiliations. If you can identify the authors, note this in your comments to the editor.

Step 4 — Complete the Review Form​

  1. Scroll down to the Review Form section on the Review tab.
  2. Fill in all required fields. Common fields include:
FieldWhat to Write
Comments to AuthorYour detailed feedback — strengths, weaknesses, specific suggestions. This is shared with the author.
Comments to EditorConfidential notes for the editor only (e.g., suspected plagiarism, conflict of interest concerns).
RecommendationSelect from the dropdown — see options below.

Recommendation Options​

RecommendationMeaning
Accept SubmissionThe manuscript is suitable for publication with no or minor typographical changes
Revisions RequiredMinor changes are needed; the editor can decide without re-review
Resubmit for ReviewMajor revisions are needed; the manuscript should be re-reviewed after revision
Resubmit ElsewhereThe manuscript is not suitable for this journal but may fit another
Decline SubmissionThe manuscript has fundamental flaws and is not suitable for publication
See CommentsYour recommendation is explained in the comments (use sparingly)

Tips for Constructive Feedback​

  • Be specific: cite page numbers, section headings, or line numbers.
  • Separate major and minor comments (e.g., using numbered lists).
  • Suggest improvements rather than only identifying problems.
  • Maintain a professional, collegial tone.
  • Do not reveal your identity in the Author Comments section (double-blind).

Step 5 — Upload Annotated Files (Optional)​

If you have annotated the manuscript (e.g., a PDF with comments or a marked-up Word file):

  1. Scroll to the Review Files section.
  2. Click Upload/Select Files.
  3. Click Upload Review File and select your annotated file.
  4. Click Continue, then Complete.

Step 6 — Submit the Review​

  1. Once all required fields are completed, scroll to the bottom of the Review Form.
  2. Click Submit Review.
  3. A confirmation dialog appears — click OK to confirm.

OJS marks your review as Complete and notifies the editor.

After Submission​

  • You will receive a confirmation email.
  • The editor will consider your recommendation alongside other reviews before making a decision.
  • You may receive a follow-up email from the editor or, in some journals, a notification of the final decision.

Troubleshooting​

ProblemSolution
Review files are not visibleCheck that the editor has assigned files for this review round; contact the editor if empty
Cannot submit — fields are emptyAll fields marked with * are required; scroll up to check for missed fields
Invitation link has expiredContact the editor directly and ask them to re-send the invitation
Submission deadline has passedContact the editor to request an extension before submitting
Review form has no fieldsThe journal may use a custom review form — scroll to see all fields

Next Steps​