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Demystifying peer review

Peer review is at the heart of academic publishing. It helps ensure that published research is rigorous, original, and methodologically sound.

Whether you're considering becoming a reviewer for the first time or looking to better understand the process, this guide explains:

  • What peer review is
  • Why it matters
  • The benefits of being a reviewer
  • The different models of peer review
  • How the review process works in practice

Further reading

Guide to Peer Reviewing Journal Articles from Cambridge Author Hub

What is peer review? A guide for authors from Taylor & Francis

What is peer review?

Academic peer review is a quality assurance process in which a researcher's work is evaluated by independent experts in the same field, before publication.

Peer review plays a fundamental role in maintaining the quality, integrity, and credibility of scholarly publishing. Researchers contribute reviews voluntarily, helping to strengthen the work of fellow scholars and to advance knowledge within their field.

The purpose of peer review is to:

1. Assess quality and validity

Ensure the validity, originality and methodology of published research.

2. Support editorial decision-making

Help editors determine whether submissions meet the journal’s standards and scope.

3. Improve published research

Provide constructive feedback that enables authors to strengthen their work before publication.

What’s in it for the reviewer?

Unpaid reviewing of journal article manuscripts – on top of your demanding day job – might seem onerous. But peer review is a two-way street. You cannot get published unless other scholars have been selfless enough to take time to review your work; you therefore have a professional responsibility to act in kind.

Peer review may not be paid, but it offers valuable benefits.

By becoming a peer reviewer, you can:

Contribute to your field

Support fellow researchers by sharing your expertise and helping shape emerging scholarship.

Strengthen your professional reputation

Demonstrate your subject expertise to editors, publishers, and colleagues.

Stay up to date

Gain early insight into the latest research developments in your field.

Learn about academic publishing

Develop a deeper understanding of editorial and peer review processes.

Receive formal recognition

Record and showcase your reviewing activity through Clarivate’s Web of Science reviewer recognition service.

Access reviewer benefits

Eligible reviewers receive a 30% discount on Cambridge University Press books.

Reviewer recognition through Web of Science

Cambridge University Press partners with Clarivate's Web of Science to provide official recognition for peer review activity.

By creating a Web of Science profile and opting in, reviewers can record, verify, and showcase completed reviews, including anonymous reviews and reviews for manuscripts that are ultimately not published.

Become a reviewer

Interested in reviewing for an ECPR journal?

Further reading

6 common flaws to look out for in peer review from Clarivate

Peer review: step by step

1. Journal guidelines

Read the journal's reviewer instructions before beginning your assessment:

2. Do a first read of the article

Read the manuscript to gain a broad understanding of its objectives, methods, and findings.

3. Do a thorough second read

Evaluate the manuscript carefully, taking notes on strengths, weaknesses, methodology, originality, and presentation.

4. Write your review

Prepare constructive, evidence-based feedback for both the editor and the author. See:

5. Submit your review

The ScholarOne system collates reviewer reports and sends them to the editor.

6. Editorial decision

Based on the reviews, the editor chooses one of the following outcomes:

  • Accept without revision (rare)
  • Minor revisions
  • Major revisions
  • Reject

7. Review revised version, if required

Once the author has revised their article, you may be asked to review it again. Ensure the author has addressed your requested changes satisfactorily.

8. Final decision

The editor makes a final decision. If accepted, the manuscript proceeds into production.

See the full review process (PDF)

Types of peer review

Different journals use different peer review models, each with its own advantages. These are the models used by ECPR journals.

1. Single-anonymous peer review

The reviewer may know the identity of the author, but the author does not know the identity of the reviewer.

ECPR’s single-anonymous journal: PDY

2. Double-anonymous peer review

Neither author nor reviewers know each other's identities.

ECPR’s double-anonymous journals: EJPR, EPSR, EPS

3. Triple-anonymous peer review

Authors, reviewers, and handling editors remain anonymous throughout the process.

ECPR’s triple-anonymous journal: PRX

Comprehensive guidance for peer reviewers

Our publishing partners Cambridge University Press and Taylor & Francis offer a number of detailed resources to help first-time reviewers navigate the peer review process.

Cambridge University Press, publisher of EJPR, EPSR, PDY and EPS

Taylor & Francis, publisher of PRX until 31 December 2027