My target journal’s reviewer has asked for major changes. I disagree. What do I do now?
I submitted my manuscript to a journal recently. Last week, I received a comment from a reviewer asking for major changes in my manuscript. I do not agree with the reviewer and do not intend to make the changes (because the changes will alter the meaning). What should I do now?
Hi Akemi,
Thank you for getting in touch with us regarding your query. Please note that most manuscripts submitted for review get at least a few comments from the journal-assigned peer reviewers/journal editor. Occasionally, journal reviewers suggest changes that are indeed difficult to implement. In case you disagree with the reviewer(s), you can always draft a rebuttal letter to the editor of the target journal, explaining why you think the correction suggested by the reviewer(s) does not merit consideration. However, before drafting such a letter, you need to thoroughly review the comments and check whether it is indeed possible to implement the suggested changes. In your rebuttal letter, keep your argument firm, but polite. The editor may forward your letter to the reviewer, so make sure you get your point across without sounding excessively aggressive/offensive. Once you send out the rebuttal letter, be patient. The editor will respond to your query in due course.
For more tips on writing rebuttal letters, you can check Tips on Manuscript Resubmission: How to Write a Good Rebuttal Letter and clear your doubts. You can get professional help for your manuscript by visiting https://www.enago.com/publication-support-services/. You could also get a second opinion on the referee comment(s) from our publishing experts.
