Scientific journals like JAWRA cannot exist without dedicated scientists who volunteer their time to give careful, objective reviews to the work of others. We truly appreciate the work of our reviewers. We hope the topics below answer some of your questions about becoming a reviewer.

What's involved in reviewing a manuscript?

We will send you, via ScholarOne Manuscript Central™, email asking about your availability to review a particular paper. If you agree, click on the link provided, and you will be directed to the manuscript and related files in PDF or HTML format. You're expected to read the paper and answer a series of questions about it on our online review form. You're also free to make any other relevant comments. Typically, you're given a month for this review, and all communications are handled online through ScholarOne Manuscript Central™.

The author will be expected to address each reviewer's questions or concerns. Sometimes, the Editor will return a revised manuscript to you to ensure that your concerns are met.

How often will I be sent papers for review?

As often or as little as you like. We keep track of reviewer assignments to avoid overloading you. And, you're always free to turn down an assignment if you're too busy at the moment. (Honestly, we'd prefer someone to say they're too busy than to accept a manuscript and let it sit around!)

Will I be asked to evaluate issues outside my area of expertise?

Absolutely not! Although we ask you to list your areas of expertise when you volunteer, you should tell us if you do not feel qualified to review a particular paper. Because we're multidisciplinary, an Associate Editor may occasionally ask you to review only the part of a paper you are comfortable reviewing.

Are reviewers anonymous?

Yes! Reviewer assignments are known only to the Editor, Associate Editor(s), and the staff processing the review documents. See our confidentiality rules.

Do I have to be a member of AWRA?

Well, ... actually, no. It's your expertise we're after. But we hope when you see the work AWRA is doing, you'll join!

How do I sign up?

Glad you asked! Just go to our ScholarOne Manuscript Central™ site and sign up. Authors who submit a paper are automatically added to our reviewer data base.

I signed up, but why am I not getting email from ScholarOne Manuscript Central™?

If you are not receiving emails, it is likely that your server is filtering our emails. To correct the problem, the intended recipient needs to contact their IT department. The IT department needs to "whitelist" the following server: uranus.scholarone.com (206.112.78.33). Whitelisting our server marks it as a valid email sender.