Most papers published in KALANJIYAM are revised at least once after peer review. A careful revision is often the difference between a paper that is accepted and one that goes through a second round. This guide explains how to work with reviewer comments. For the journal’s review procedure itself, see the Peer Review Process.
Read the decision letter twice
First read it for the decision – minor revision, major revision, or reject. Then read it again slowly and list every comment from each reviewer and from the editor. Comments that both reviewers make are usually the most important.
Sort the comments
- Corrections: errors in quotations, verse numbers, dates or references. Fix them all.
- Requests for evidence: a claim that needs a source, an edition or an example. Add it, or soften the claim.
- Structural points: a section that should be reorganised, an argument that needs a clearer link to the research question.
- Points you disagree with: keep these for last and answer them with reasons.
Write a point-by-point response
Prepare a separate document that copies each comment and answers it directly below: what you changed and where (section or page), or – if you did not change something – why. Keep the tone factual and courteous. Reviewers give their time without payment and the response is read by the editor who makes the decision.
Disagreeing with a reviewer
You do not have to accept every suggestion. If you disagree, explain why with evidence – a reading of the text, an edition, an earlier study. If the two reviewers contradict each other, say which advice you followed and why; the editor will decide.
Keep the paper anonymous
The revised file still goes through double-blind review. Do not add your name, institution or acknowledgements to the main file; put them on the title page.
Check before you send
- The abstract and keywords (Tamil and English) still match the revised paper.
- The paper is still within 4,000 words including references.
- New quotations are cited by edition and verse number.
- The response document answers every comment.
Upload the revision from your tracking page before the deadline in the decision letter. If you need more time, ask the editor before the deadline passes.
