The communication with the editor and referees is a matter that concerns all authors. Independent of who writes the replies to referees and editors, the corresponding author should always have the consent of all authors before sending in replies. Any new correspondence obtained from the editor should immediately be forwarded to all coauthors.

Answering reports

Answering referee reports is a crucial aspect of getting your paper published.

Try to get them all on your side. Whatever it takes.

Who will write the replies?

The replies to editor and referees should be written by the first author. He should be supported by a senior coauthor with lots of experience. The other authors should keep a low profile as the timing of the replies is crucially important: try to return the replies to the editor within one or two days after having received the referee reports. This quick response will impress editor and referees. Of course all authors should be kept informed about the progress of the reply process.

Styled text

The correspondence between editor/referees on one side and the authors on the other should be through ASCII files (usually in the form of email appendices or email attachments). No styled documents, with font formatting etc. So replies to referees should be made with an ASCII editor. Communication between referee and editor very likely goes through email or web access. In all those cases styling will be lost.

Style of rebuttal

Sympathize with the referee: He has read your paper and has written a report, all without any financial compensation. He would have preferred to get on with his own work or go sailing. Your final goal is to get your paper published. Never let your ego get in the way.