Skip to main content
Basic Formal IVT Commonly tested

Author response letter

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɔːθər rɪˈspɑːns ˈletər/

A formal document submitted by authors addressing reviewer comments, criticisms, and suggested revisions following peer review feedback. This letter details specific changes made to the manuscript and provides rebuttals or justifications for elements authors chose not to modify.

Plain English

A document where authors explain how they addressed reviewer feedback or why they disagreed with certain suggestions.

Etymology & History

Origin languageEnglish, Latin
Rootauthor (Latin auctor) + response (Latin respondere) + letter (Latin littera)
First recorded use1980s
Usage frequencyVery common

Usage

"The author response letter clearly demonstrated how each reviewer comment was addressed in the revised manuscript."

Style guide notes: Format as 'Author Response Letter' or 'Response to Reviewers'; maintain professional tone and numbered organization.

Also known as

response to reviewers point-by-point response author rebuttal

Contrasted with

reviewer comment editorial decision

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an author response letter?

A systematic point-by-point response to each reviewer comment with manuscript location references and explanations for changes or disagreements.

Can authors dispute reviewer comments in the response letter?

Yes, authors may respectfully disagree and provide evidence-based justifications, but must be professional and substantive in rebuttals.

Why Test Candidates on This?

Fundamental to understanding the revision and resubmission cycle in peer-reviewed publication.

Required skill level: Mid

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON