How to Criticize Constructively

Abstract

This chapter outlines how to write an informal but critical assessment of a colleague's work.

Writing a review for someone you know is tricky. You certainly don’t want to offend them in any way, but at the same time if you find problems in their manuscript, it is clearly beneficial for them to know what these problems are and also how to remedy them. In effect you are acting as a referee, and the more issues you spot now, the more likely the paper will be published on first submission.