Ten simple rules for writing a response to reviewers

Another excellent entry in PLOS Computational Biology’s “Ten Simple Rules” series.

Read “Ten simple rules for writing a response to reviewers” here.

Short version:

Rule 1: Provide an overview, then quote the full set of reviews

Rule 2: Be polite and respectful of all reviewers

Rule 3: Accept the blame

Rule 4: Make the response self-contained

Rule 5: Respond to every point raised by the reviewer

Rule 6: Use typography to help the reviewer navigate your response

Rule 7: Whenever possible, begin your response to each comment with a direct answer to the point being raised

Rule 8: When possible, do what the reviewer asks

Rule 9: Be clear about what changed relative to the previous version

Rule 10: If necessary, write the response twice