In short: A "revise and resubmit" decision is good news — the editor wants to publish an improved version of your work. Respond with a clear, respectful, point-by-point letter that addresses every comment and shows exactly what you changed.
First, the right mindset
Reviewer comments can feel personal, but they are not. Peer review exists to strengthen your work, and a request for revisions means the editor sees potential in it. Read the comments once, set them aside for a day, then return ready to improve the manuscript.
Structure your response
Prepare a separate response-to-reviewers document. For each comment:
- Quote the comment exactly.
- Reply directly beneath it, describing what you did.
- Point to the change — note the section, page or line where the reviewer can see it.
Address every comment, even minor ones. Number them to match the reviewers' numbering, and consider marking changes in the manuscript so they are easy to find.
How to reply to different kinds of comment
When you agree
Comment: The sample size justification is missing. Response: We agree. We have added a sample-size calculation to the Methods (page 5, paragraph 2) and now report the assumptions used.
When you partly agree
Response: We agree that the limitation should be clearer. We have expanded the Discussion (page 11) to address this. We were unable to collect the additional data the reviewer suggests within the study period, and we now note this explicitly as a direction for future work.
When you respectfully disagree
Response: We appreciate this point. We have retained the original analysis because [clear reason with evidence or citation]. We have, however, added a sentence acknowledging the alternative interpretation the reviewer raises (page 9).
Disagreement is legitimate — but it must be polite, reasoned and evidence-based. Never dismiss a reviewer.
Handling contradictory reviewers
If reviewers disagree with each other, acknowledge both, explain the conflict, and describe the path you chose and why. You may also ask the handling editor for guidance.
Practical tips
- Be courteous and thank the reviewers — they gave their time for free.
- Be thorough: a complete response is more persuasive than a defensive one.
- Meet the deadline, or ask for an extension before it passes.
- Keep a professional tone throughout; the editor reads your letter too.
Key takeaways
- A revision decision is an opportunity, not a rejection.
- Respond point by point: quote, reply, and show where you changed the text.
- Address every comment; disagree only with evidence and courtesy.
- Be thorough, polite and on time.