Journal Editors vs Reviewers: Key Differences

There are two important main roles in the process of publishing scientific journals, editors and reviewers. However, key differences between Journal Editor vs. Reviewer have different roles and responsibilities. Reviewers are often described as the “indispensable heart” or “engine” of the peer review process. Meanwhile, editors are described in naval terms as the “captain” (or even “admiral”) of the publishing process. Here are the different roles and responsibilities of journal editors and reviewers:

A. Journal Editor 

a. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for the overall management of the journal publishing process, from acceptance to publication.

b. Manuscript Assessment: Assessing manuscripts submitted to the journal and making editorial decisions based on peer reviews.

c. Peer Review Management: Managing the peer review process, including selection of appropriate reviewers to the field of research and coordination of reviews.

d. Manuscript Editing: Providing suggestions and improvements to the structure, style, and material of manuscripts to improve their quality.

e. Editorial Decision: Making the final decision on whether a manuscript will be published, rejected, or requires revision.

f. Ethics Management: Ensuring compliance with ethical standards of scientific research and publication in every aspects of the publishing process.

B. Journal Reviewer:

a. Key Responsibilities: Provide independent evaluation of manuscripts submitted for journal publication.

b. Manuscript Assessment: Evaluate the quality, originality, methodology, and research contributions in a given manuscript.

c. Providing Recommendations: Provide advice and feedback to the editor on whether the manuscript meets the journal’s standards.

d. Providing Constructive Review: Provides a constructive and in-depth review of the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript, and makes suggestions for improvement where necessary.

e. Maintaining Ethical Policies: Ensure that reviewed manuscripts adhere to ethical standards of scientific research and publication, and report to the editor any ethical concerns.

Thus, although journal editors and reviewers work together in the journal publishing process, their roles have different focuses and responsibilities. Editors possess overall responsibility for managing the publishing process, while reviewers provide critical evaluation of the submitted manuscripts. Those are the differences between a journal editor and a journal reviewer. You can read more articles about writing tips, publishing journals, and getting to know scientific journals by visiting us at @jfpublisher and @jakadjournal. For more information about journal publication, please contact us at +62 813-5858-0584.