The final decision regarding a submitted manuscript is based primarily upon the opinions of at least two reviewers, and also includes the opinion of the editor and often one of the associate editors. The types of submitted manuscripts include full-length articles (either basic, clinical or health services research), review articles, brief reports, concise communications, vignettes, letters and special articles.

Please refer to the Notes to Contributors to familiarize yourself with the guidelines for each type of article, as the format and content of your review may vary. In addition to assisting the editors in reaching a decision, your review serves an important educational role for the authors.

Your Comments to Authors should be as complete, detailed and helpful as possible. It is useful to number these comments, to assist in the possible re-submission and review of a revised manuscript. In these comments, avoid stating directly whether the manuscript should be published or not and be discreet in your use of strong language. Please make specific statements regarding where a manuscript can be made more concise. The Comments to the Editor should contain clearly stated opinions about strengths, weaknesses, relevance, importance, priority for publication and other confidential material.

The following guidelines include some points a reviewer might consider, remembering that not all points are relevant to every type of manuscript.

1. Is the title accurate and the abstract complete?
2. Is the work scientifically sound with appropriate methods and controls?
3. Are the data clearly and concisely presented?
4. Do the conclusions follow logically from the presented data?
5. Does the discussion concisely summarize the new findings, mention possible problems with methods, review the appropriate literature and indicate relevance of the observations?
6. Are the tables and figures clearly presented and all necessary?
7. Are the references appropriate and complete?
8. Where can the manuscript be shortened?
9. Is the work better suited to another journal?

Manuscript Central allows you to state your opinions about importance and relevance, particularly in relationship to other published work in the field. Since Arthritis & Rheumatism cannot accept more than 25% of submitted manuscripts, your thoughtful opinions and comments are important in continuing to maintain a high quality journal. Thank you for your valuable assistance.

Joan M. Bathon, MD
Editor