“Good reviewing is very time-consuming and, in some ways, just as challenging as authoring an original research paper; time spent doing this well is time removed from one’s own research work. Indeed, the thoughts and comments of a good referee can often represent a fundamental contribution to the science as well as the quality of a published paper, and this input should be recognized, and measured…” – A guest post from Willy Aspinall Department of Earth Sciences, Bristol University, Bristol BS8 1RJ UK., Nature.com, Blogs, Peer-to-Peer
Why a formal peer review?
Academicians are the standard bearers for the body of knowledge of all academic subjects. They write and They
1. Objectiveness
Not to overstate the obvious, but when we write anything we normally think it’s the best or at least very good. Our immediate friends and colleagues may praise us for a job well done and for contributing to the body of knowledge to whatever subject we researched or plan to teach. We also have colleagues who might, for our own good, tell us that it is lacking (i.e. stinks) when it is actually top grade.
Our reviewers, on the other hand, do not have this bias. They provide impartial, detailed, chapter by chapter analysis. They are paid, experienced professionals, committed to the highest standards, without exception.
2. Credibility and Improved Content
A formal peer review adds to the credibility our material. It shows that we are confident that the material will pass the scrutiny of our peers and discretionary readers. The corrections and enhancements we make as a result of the review increases the value and usefulness of the book.
3. Increase the probability of adoption and publication
In our world of thousands of new publications a day, a formal, unbiased review is an effective tool in moving our works into the “look deeper” category.