Template
Reviewer-response tracker
Track each editor or reviewer point from author decision to completed change, response and manuscript cross-check in a blank offline revision ledger.
Keep requests and completed changes traceable
- Read the editor's decision and journal instructions. Give each point a round-and-reviewer ID; keep the full comment in the tracker or a secure referenced record. Split compound requests without losing the original.
- Record the author decision and reason, responsible author and required work or evidence. Link conflicting requests and note any question for the editor.
- Keep work status separate from manuscript cross-check: use needs decision, needs analysis or text revised as appropriate. A drafted reply does not show that an analysis was performed.
- Record the actual change and draft a direct response. Explain reasoned disagreements or work that cannot be done; leave remaining limitations visible.
- Identify the exact revised file and version plus page, lines or section. Check the change and quoted text there before marking the manuscript cross-check complete; recheck after later edits.
- Resolve or explicitly explain every open point before submission. Use the journal's required response format; this working ledger does not replace author review or guarantee acceptance.
The CSV opens in a spreadsheet application and contains 12 column headers and blank working rows only. Add rows as needed. Your completed tracker stays wherever you save it; this page does not upload it.
Wholly fictional working row
Round 1 / R2.3 requests causal wording for an observational comparison. Author A decides to retain association-based wording and explain the design limit. Work status: text revised. Actual change: limitation clarified. Response draft: explains that boundary. File: revision-v3; location: Discussion, paragraph 2. Manuscript cross-check: not yet checked. Next action: open revision-v3 and verify the change before marking it checked.
Keep reviewer labels and secure references where needed. Follow journal confidentiality rules; do not place participant identifiers, confidential raw data or access credentials in a shared tracker.
Tools work locally in your browser. Values entered into this tool and worksheet contents are not sent to analytics.