In good time

The editors of the EMBO Journal were glad to be able to publish Enrique Martin-Blanco’s paper (“Academic criticises reviewers after five-year delay to paper”, News, 28 November). The process was, in our view, efficient, including a single round of revision. All the details are documented in the transparent process review file that we publish with most papers.

In our experience, for data and approaches that raise discussion among experts, the EMBO Press cross-referee commenting process works well: all referees see each other’s reports before a decision is made and often comment on specific issues on which they agree or disagree, allowing the editors to make a more nuanced and informed decision. Where appropriate, we also approach the authors before an editorial decision is made to take into account their views on the referee reports.

Bernd Pulverer
Chief editor
EMBO Journal

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