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2 years ago in Peer Review By Keerthi Gupta
How are reviewers typically selected for a manuscript, and why was I chosen?
I just got a review request for a paper somewhat outside my usual expertise. How do editors pick reviewers? Did the authors suggest me, or did the editor find me? Should I accept if it's not my perfect niche?
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By Annie Answered 1 year ago
Editors use a mix of methods: 1) Journal Database: They search their own database for reviewers who have previously published or reviewed in relevant areas. 2) Author Suggestions: Authors often suggest (and exclude) potential reviewers. 3) Literature Search: They search for recent papers on similar topics and invite authors. 4) Keyword Matching: Automated systems suggest names based on keywords. If the paper is adjacent to your niche, you may have been chosen for your methodological expertise (e.g., you're a stats expert reviewing an applied paper) or because you're a known active scholar. Before accepting, read the abstract and decide if you can competently assess the core claims and methods. It's okay to decline if you truly lack the specific subject knowledge, but reviewing in related areas can broaden your perspective. Let the editor know promptly either way.
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