When an article is submitted to a journal, it is first checked by an editor, who may not be an expert on the specific topic of the work. The editor checks that it meets the scope of the journal, the formatting requirements for manuscripts and other technical requirements.

If it is deemed potentially publishable, the article is sent to reviewers, who are experts on the subject. They provide reviews that the editor collates and provides to the author. Authors have an opportunity to respond to the reviewers’ comments. The journal then considers whether to publish the paper.

This flowchart sums up a typical peer-review process.