Understanding Nature Communications’ Duplicate Reviewer Assignment: A Guide for Authors

When a manuscript submitted to Nature Communications shows the status “All Reviewers Assigned,” it means that the manuscript has been assigned to the necessary reviewers for evaluation. This status is crucial as it indicates that the peer review process is actively underway, which is a key step in determining the manuscript’s suitability for publication. Understanding this status helps authors gauge the progress of their submission and anticipate the next steps in the review process.

Definition and Context

The term “All Reviewers Assigned” at Nature Communications indicates that the revised manuscript has been sent to all the selected peer reviewers for evaluation. This status means that the journal has successfully found and assigned the necessary reviewers to assess the revised version of the manuscript.

Context in the Peer Review Process:

1. Submission and Initial Check: The manuscript is submitted and undergoes an initial quality check by the editorial team.
2. Editor Assignment: An editor, who is an expert in the relevant field, is assigned to the manuscript.
3. Reviewer Invitation: The editor invites potential reviewers to evaluate the manuscript.
4. All Reviewers Assigned: Once all invited reviewers have accepted the invitation, the status changes to “All Reviewers Assigned”.
5. Review Process: Reviewers evaluate the manuscript and provide feedback.
6. Decision: Based on the reviewers’ feedback, the editor makes a decision (accept, minor/major revisions, or reject).

This status is crucial as it signifies that the manuscript is actively being reviewed, which is a key step towards eventual publication.

Implications for Authors

When the status of a revised manuscript in Nature Communications shows “All Reviewers Assigned,” it means that the manuscript has been sent to all the reviewers who will evaluate it. This stage indicates that the peer review process is actively underway.

Next Steps and Expectations:

1. Review Process: Reviewers will read and assess the revised manuscript. They will provide feedback and recommendations to the editor.
2. Editor Decision: Once all reviewers submit their comments, the editor will review the feedback and make a decision. This could be:
   • Acceptance: The manuscript is accepted for publication.
   • Minor Revisions: Authors need to make small changes before acceptance.
   • Major Revisions: Significant changes are required, and the manuscript may need to go through another round of review.
   • Rejection: The manuscript is not suitable for publication in its current form.

During this stage, authors should be prepared for potential feedback and revisions. It’s also a good idea to stay in touch with the journal for any updates or clarifications needed.

Common Scenarios

When a revised manuscript at Nature Communications shows the status “All Reviewers Assigned,” it means that the manuscript has been sent to the required number of peer reviewers for evaluation. Here are some common scenarios and potential delays or issues that might arise:

1. Reviewer Availability: Sometimes, reviewers may take longer to accept the invitation due to their own busy schedules. This can delay the process significantly.

2. Reviewer Declines: If one or more reviewers decline the invitation, the editor must find replacements, which can further delay the review process.

3. High Submission Volume: Journals often experience high volumes of submissions, which can slow down the assignment and review process.

4. Complexity of Manuscript: More complex or specialized manuscripts may require more time for reviewers to thoroughly evaluate, leading to longer review periods.

5. Technical Issues: Occasionally, technical issues with the submission system can cause delays in updating the status or communicating with reviewers.

6. Reviewer Feedback: If reviewers request additional experiments or extensive revisions, this can prolong the review process as authors need time to address these comments.

These scenarios can lead to the status remaining unchanged for an extended period, causing delays in the overall publication process. If you encounter such delays, it’s often helpful to contact the journal for updates.

Best Practices for Authors

When you encounter the status “All reviewers assigned” for a revised manuscript in Nature Communications, it means that the journal has assigned reviewers to evaluate your revised submission. Here are some best practices and tips for effectively communicating with the journal and managing your expectations:

Best Practices for Authors

1. Understand the Process:

   • The status indicates that your manuscript is under review. This stage can take some time, as reviewers need to thoroughly assess the revisions.

2. Be Patient:

   • Review times can vary significantly. It’s common for this stage to take several weeks or even months.

3. Check for Updates:

   • Regularly check the submission system for any updates or changes in status. However, avoid excessive checking as it can be stressful.

Tips for Communicating with the Journal

1. Polite Inquiries:

   • If the status remains unchanged for an extended period (e.g., over 6-8 weeks), consider sending a polite inquiry to the editorial office. Keep your message concise and respectful.

2. Provide Context:

   • When contacting the journal, mention your manuscript ID and briefly explain your concern. For example, “I am writing to inquire about the status of my revised manuscript (ID: XXXXX) which has been under ‘All reviewers assigned’ for X weeks.”

3. Express Gratitude:

   • Acknowledge the busy schedules of editors and reviewers. A simple thank you can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship.

Managing Expectations

1. Realistic Timelines:

   • Understand that the peer review process is thorough and can be time-consuming. Set realistic expectations for when you might hear back.

2. Prepare for Outcomes:

   • Be prepared for any decision, whether it’s acceptance, further revisions, or rejection. Each outcome is a step forward in the publication process.

3. Stay Productive:

   • Use the waiting period to work on other projects or manuscripts. This can help reduce anxiety and keep your research momentum going.

By following these practices and tips, you can navigate the review process more smoothly and maintain effective communication with the journal. Good luck with your manuscript!

Understanding the Peer Review Process in Nature Communications

When a manuscript submitted to Nature Communications shows the status ‘All Reviewers Assigned’, it indicates that the revised manuscript has been sent to all selected peer reviewers for evaluation. This stage signifies that the peer review process is actively underway, which is crucial for determining the manuscript’s suitability for publication.

Authors should be patient and understand that this stage can take several weeks or even months. If the status remains unchanged for an extended period, it’s best to send a polite inquiry to the editorial office.

Effective communication with the journal is key, and authors should express gratitude for their time and effort. By being proactive and managing expectations, authors can navigate the review process more smoothly and maintain a positive relationship with the journal.