[How to Survive Peer Review (HOW - How To)] [Author: Wager, Elizabeth] [June, 2002]

by Elizabeth Wager

How to Survive Peer Review is a practical handbook designed to help anybody who wants to get their work published in a scientific journal, wants to apply for research funds or who has to undergo formal appraisals at work. It will also help people who have been asked to review articles, abstracts or grant applications. These activities are an essential part of scientific life, yet they virtually never get covered in professional training. It is often difficult even to get any helpful information about the processes from journals, meetings or funders. For the first time, this book brings together all you need to know, with authoritative advice from three authors who have researched peer review extensively and have considerable practical experience as researchers, editors and reviewers.

Paperback

First published May 6, 2002

Reviews

[Jana Tetzlaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only all (or just some) researchers submitting their papers here and there would read this little book. It's really short, guys! And it's got little purple boxes with tips or check lists. It's quite amusing too (well, it is to me, maybe not so much to people who actually want to see their work published in a scientific journal): there are boxes titled: "How to ensure that your paper is rejected" (one example from the list comprising 18 points: “- adopt a ponderous and wordy style and try to make everything ambiguous – after all, if readers can understand the stuff, it can’t be that clever”)and "How to ensure that you never present your work at a conference" (point 1: “- pick the conference solely by the exotic destination”).

Honestly, it would make my life easier if some authors/researchers read this book and followed some of the instructions at least.

I usually leaf through this book when at work and not in the mood to deal with a particularly obnoxious author. It comforts me. I feel as if the authors of this book are on my side.:o)

Edit: Just to clarify: All the authors I have been dealing with at work this week are absolutely lovely people. Some even have a sense of humour!