Responding to a Letter to the Editor

Greetings from Atlanta, where the Council of Science Editors annual meeting is about to begin. I hope that all is going well for you.

As you may recall, last week I discussed writing a letter to the editor. This week, I’ll say a few words about responding to a letter to the editor.

If you publish an article, the journal might receive 1 or more letters in response. Then if the journal decides to publish some or all of the letters, typically the editor will give you a chance to respond.

What should you do then? Here are some basic guidelines:

• Read the letter(s); then set them aside and take some time to think. If you’re angry, take some time to calm down.
• Carefully read any instructions from the editor.
• If you decide not to submit a response, tell the editor promptly.
• If you decide to submit a response:
• Look at some previous responses to letters in the journal, to help see what is expected.
• Write politely (even if a letter about your article was not polite).
• Write clearly and concisely. Follow any instructions about length.
• Submit your response by the deadline, so the letter(s) and your response can be published together.
• Realize that the journal may edit your response.
• Appreciate the chance to publish a little more about your work.

I hope next week to tell you about the Council of Science Editors meeting. Meanwhile, wishing you a good week— Barbara