Invitations · Last reviewed
Invitation and response
What happens when you receive an invitation to review, and how to accept or decline responsibly.
What an invitation includes
The email invitation and portal notification include:
- Manuscript title and abstract
- Article type and scope keywords
- Required completion timeline (typically 3 weeks)
- One-click accept or decline links
- Link to the full manuscript (visible only after accepting)
Before accepting — self-check
Before accepting, ask yourself:
- Do I have expertise in this subject area?
- Do I have time to provide a thorough review within the required timeline?
- Do I have any conflicts of interest (recent collaboration, competing work, personal or financial interests)?
- Have I seen this submission before — perhaps as a colleague's draft or in another journal's review?
Declining an invitation
If you cannot review, please respond promptly so the editor can seek another reviewer. Declining with a suggestion for an alternative reviewer is enormously helpful — even just a name and an institution. We accept declines without explanation; we appreciate them with one.
After accepting
Once you accept, you will receive:
- A link to download the manuscript and supplementary materials
- A review form, which you can complete in the portal or download
- An automatic reminder 7 days before your due date
- A link to submit your review securely
Extensions
If you need more time, email the handling editor and we will grant a 7–14 day extension in most cases. We understand peer review is volunteer work alongside your other commitments. What we ask in return: tell us as early as you can.