Some Rewards of Peer Reviewing

Greetings again. I hope you’re doing well.

As you might have noticed, a photo of books accompanies this post. I recently received these books from publishers as thanks for being a peer reviewer.

In appreciation for reviewing a book manuscript or book proposal, publishers commonly give the reviewer a small payment or some books. Often they let the reviewer decide whether to receive the payment or choose books worth somewhat more.

At least usually, I choose to receive books. Over the years, I’ve received many books this way. Generally I choose some books to give as gifts, some books to use in my work, and some books to read for pleasure.

Reviewing a paper for a journal usually is much less work than reviewing a book manuscript. And peer reviewers for journals typically don’t receive payment or gifts from the publisher.

Sometimes, though, journal publishers give peer reviewers other rewards. For example, some non-open-access journals give reviewers access for a while. Also, some journals publish an annual note thanking their reviewers and listing reviewers from the past year.

At least one journal regularly sends a letter to its best reviewers from the past year. The journal editor encourages these reviewers to show the letter to their supervisors.

The main rewards, though, of peer reviewing for books and journals are intellectual and emotional. Peer reviewing is a fine way to learn more about one’s field and practice critical thinking. And peer reviewers have the satisfaction of having helped ensure that publications are of high quality.

Until the next post—

Barbara