A Researcher’s Guide to Writing a Blog Post from a Journal Article

A Researcher’s Guide to Writing a Blog Post from a Journal Article

Becoming a peer reviewer is one of the most meaningful ways to participate in scholarly communication. Peer review is at the heart of academic publishing, yet journals across disciplines routinely struggle to find enough qualified reviewers. As submission numbers rise, editors depend heavily on experts who are willing to evaluate manuscripts with care, accuracy and fairness.

For early-career and established researchers alike, taking part in peer review offers significant benefits: it deepens your understanding of publishing standards, strengthens your writing, expands your professional network and increases your visibility among journal editors. However, the first step—getting your name onto a reviewer list—can be challenging. This guide explains how to begin, how to recognise good opportunities and how to build a reputation for high-quality reviewing.

1. Why Journals Need More Peer Reviewers

Most academic journals experience a continuous inflow of submissions, including papers from doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, established academics and international research teams. Every manuscript requires multiple assessments, typically two or three reviews per paper. Because many researchers decline invitations due to time constraints or mismatched expertise, editors often struggle to find suitable reviewers quickly.

This shortage creates opportunities for emerging scholars who want to become involved in reviewing. Good reviewers are remembered and often requested again by editors, creating long-term professional relationships. Once you have proven your reliability, editors will continue to offer you new reviewing assignments as long as your field of expertise aligns with the manuscript topics.

2. Receiving a Direct Invitation: The Ideal Starting Point

If you receive a personal invitation from an editor, this is the easiest and strongest way to begin. An invitation indicates that someone—either the editor or one of the manuscript’s authors—has noticed your published work, conference presentation or academic profile. Such recognition is valuable and should be treated as an opportunity to contribute to your field.

Before accepting, you should conduct two quick checks:

• Content match: Make sure the manuscript falls within your expertise. If it is too far outside your domain, it is better to decline and suggest an alternative reviewer.
• Time availability: Review deadlines are often tight, ranging from 7 days to 4 weeks. Only accept the task if you can provide a thoughtful, thorough review within the timeframe.

After confirming both points, respond promptly. Editors appreciate reviewers who reply quickly, because they must secure qualified reviewers before peer review can even begin. Once accepted, familiarise yourself with the journal’s review guidelines, criteria and expectations. Delivering a well-structured, constructive and timely review will leave a strong first impression and increase the likelihood of future invitations.

3. Journals Offering Reduced Fees in Exchange for Reviews

Some journals, particularly in open access publishing, incentivise peer review by offering reduced or waived article processing charges for authors who complete a set number of reviews. This system benefits both parties: editors receive much-needed reviewer support, while authors reduce financial burdens when publishing their own work.

If you are preparing to submit an article, consider targeting journals that include such programmes. Completing high-quality reviews for them can place you on their preferred reviewer list and make you a recognised contributor to the journal’s workflow. As a result, editors may later invite you to review manuscripts unrelated to your own submissions.

4. Reviewing Scholarly Books to Gain Experience

Many researchers begin with book reviews—a valuable, respected form of scholarly service. Writing thoughtful, analytical reviews of newly published books helps you develop skills that directly transfer to manuscript reviewing, such as summarising arguments, evaluating evidence, identifying strengths and weaknesses and communicating constructive criticism.

Book reviews also increase your visibility within your discipline. Journals and academic presses notice high-quality reviewers, which can lead to invitations for more formal peer review roles. Additionally, book reviewing helps build confidence, especially for early-career scholars transitioning into manuscript evaluation.

5. Contacting Journal Editors Directly

If invitations do not come naturally at first, you can take the initiative. Many editors maintain internal lists of qualified reviewers or welcome expressions of interest. To contact an editor professionally and effectively:

• Write a concise email expressing your interest in reviewing for the journal.
• Attach a short CV highlighting relevant publications, methods expertise and research areas.
• Provide links to your ORCID profile, Google Scholar or institutional webpage.
• Mention dissertation topics, grants, or specific methodologies you can review competently.

You do not need an extensive publication record; even two or three well-received papers in high-quality journals demonstrate your competence. Editors appreciate proactive reviewers who are transparent about their strengths.

6. Registering on Journal Websites as a Potential Reviewer

Many journals—including those using systems like ScholarOne, Editorial Manager and OJS—allow researchers to register as willing reviewers. These registration portals typically let you indicate:

• Your research specialisations
• Methods expertise
• Keywords describing your academic profile
• The types of submissions you are comfortable reviewing

Editors frequently search these databases when assigning reviewers. Keeping your reviewer profile updated increases your likelihood of being selected. For early-career researchers or newly graduated PhD holders, this is one of the most accessible entry points into peer review work.

7. Using Your Academic Network Strategically

Your academic colleagues can play an important role in helping you become a reviewer. Letting others know that you are open to reviewing can lead to referrals, especially from:

• Senior colleagues who already perform regular peer reviews
• Former supervisors with strong editorial connections
• Members of your research group or department
• Scholars you meet at conferences and workshops
• Editors you encounter during professional events

Sometimes editors ask trusted reviewers to recommend additional reviewers. If a colleague recommends you, this endorsement gives editors confidence in your expertise and professionalism. Building a reputation within your community is often as important as registering on journal websites.

8. Publishing Excellent Research Increases Review Invitations

One of the most effective long-term strategies for becoming a reviewer is simply to publish strong, high-quality research. Editors frequently look for reviewers among authors who have previously published in their journal or in related journals.

When you publish:

• Your work becomes visible to editors searching for reviewers.
• Your methodological expertise becomes clearer to potential editors.
• You demonstrate that you understand the standards of scholarly publication.
• You establish your credibility within your research community.

In some cases, authors of recently published articles are almost automatically added to reviewer pools. Maintaining a strong publication record therefore helps ensure a steady flow of peer review requests over time.

9. How to Provide an Excellent Peer Review

Once you begin to receive reviewing assignments, the best way to secure future opportunities is to deliver high-quality reviews. Editors notice reviewers who are thorough, constructive, fair and timely. A strong review typically:

• Summarises the manuscript’s main argument or findings
• Evaluates strengths before discussing weaknesses
• Provides detailed, actionable feedback for the authors
• Highlights ethical concerns or methodological flaws respectfully
• Comments separately to the editor on sensitive issues
• Avoids dismissive or overly negative language
• Is delivered before the deadline

Professionalism and clarity are essential. Reviewers who consistently produce valuable and balanced reviews become trusted contributors and are often placed on preferred reviewer lists.

10. Ethical Conduct and Professional Responsibility

Peer reviewing carries ethical obligations. You must maintain confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and decline to review work that involves collaborators or topics too close to your own unpublished projects. Ethical reviewers also recognise their responsibility to support authors—especially early-career researchers—through constructive, respectful feedback.

Finally, never use information from a manuscript for your own research before it is published. Editors expect strict integrity from reviewers, and journals may blacklist reviewers who violate ethical norms.

Conclusion

Becoming a peer reviewer is both a professional contribution and a personal learning opportunity. Whether you start by accepting invitations, registering with journals, reviewing books, contacting editors or expanding your academic network, you will find that peer reviewing strengthens your research skills and enhances your academic visibility. With consistent, thoughtful and ethical reviews, you can become a valued part of the publication process—helping shape high-quality scholarship while advancing your own academic career.