University of Pittsburgh, Autumn 2008 (09-1)
David J. Birnbaum (djbpitt+medieval@pitt.edu)
Location:
http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/~djb/medieval_literature/09-1/referee_guidelines.html
Main Course Page:
http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/~djb/medieval_literature/09-1/
Last revised: 2008-08-19
We have no strict guidelines for referee reports: we've found over the years that it is best to let referees say whatever they think needs to be brought to our attention. That said, a report is most helpful when it contains certain things: a summary of the article (as the referee sees it, since often two referees gain different impressions about the true subject of a submission); the major conclusions or points being argued; the contribution, if any, to the field made by the article; the strengths and weaknesses of the piece; suggestions for improving the piece, if such is necessary; and, finally, a recommendation as to whether the piece should be rejected outright (as unsalvageable), rejected but with encouragement that the author revise and resubmit the piece, or accepted (with or without revision).
Please evaluate the essay as a scholarly article addressed to a professional audience primarily of Slavists (e.g., summarizing content of well-known works will not be needed, but of little-known works may be helpful). We ask readers to comment on the solidity of the scholarship, completeness of presentation, clarity of writing, and originality of the contribution to knowledge (new insight on the subject or a new theoretical approach). We look for a clear thesis statement and for content that is well documented and that reflects both command of relevant primary sources in original languages and knowledge of the current state of research in appropriate areas.
We have no specified length or degree of detail for evaluations: we would like at least a few paragraphs, perhaps a couple of pages if warranted. Most readers provide general comments on particular strengths of the essay and the originality (or lack thereof) of its analysis and conclusions within its own field, and offer suggestions for emendations, clarifications, or revisions. Some readers include specific comments keyed to a particular line or paragraph of the submission. Occasional extremely committed readers will send in many pages with every typographical error noted; we appreciate their dedication, but that amount of detail is really not necessary, though it is no doubt helpful to the submitter.
Your comments will be forwarded (anonymously) to the author along with the editor’s decision, and our submitters are always most appreciative of helpful criticism.