Many thanks to all those who responded to my query on the current rates for statistical reviewing of scientific/clinical papers. I've had several requests for the suggested figures, which I've summarised below, together with my original query. The responses are mainly from reviewers based within the UK.
The figures given per paper reviewed ranged from £20 to £85 (plus one European journal paying 300 Euros (approx. £210) per review). The higher rates tended to be for the "big" journals, such as the Lancet (where rates seem to range from £40 to £85 per review, the higher rates for the "fast track" service) and BMJ. The most commonly suggested rate (30% of responses) was £50 per review. Despite these rates, a number of people have suggested that the money is nominal and does not really reflect the amount of time spent on the review.
Several respondents said that on resubmission half of the original rate is charged, but most respondents either do not see resubmissions or else review resubmitted articles at no extra charge.
Many respondents commented that they provide a statistical reviewing service for no payment and some suggested that this should remain the case. Others feel that to provide such reviews for little or no money does the profession little good and that journal readers expect that papers have been properly statistically reviewed and therefore require payment. There were a few suggestions that statisticians should charge for this type of work on either an hourly rate (of typically £40-£50 per hour) or fraction of a daily rate (starting at £250 for equivalent of non-commercial organisation).
Several of the publishers seem to be realising that this type of service is no longer to be obtained at no cost, with statistical reviewers being required for an increasing number of papers but not enough statisticians prepared to do the reviewing. Perhaps until the system is more standardised this will remain the case.
Thanks again for the many replies,
Siobhan McHugh
Research Statistican
University of Glasgow
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