You submitted your first paper and the decision arrived: minor revision. Don't panic — this is one of the best outcomes you can get. This guide explains what a minor revision means and how to do it step by step, especially for first-timers.
What does a minor revision mean?
A minor revision means the editor is willing to publish your paper but the reviewers want small fixes. Typical requests: language/wording corrections, adding a missing explanation, a few extra sources, small table/figure fixes, or clarifying a point. It's the decision closest to acceptance in peer review.
Is a minor revision good or bad?
Good. It means the paper's core structure, method and contribution were found acceptable; only polishing remains. Done right, a minor revision very likely ends in acceptance. So see the comments not as an obstacle but as the final touch that strengthens the paper.
How to handle a minor revision (step by step)
- List all comments. Extract each reviewer's every item separately.
- Answer each comment with a concrete change. "Fixed" isn't enough; show what you changed.
- Mark changes in the text (tracked changes/colour) so the editor sees them easily.
- Write a response-to-reviewers letter: quote each comment → give your reply → show the revised text (page/line). For a ready skeleton, see the response-to-reviewers template.
- Meet the deadline; ask the editor for an extension if needed.
What to watch for in a minor revision
| Watch | Why |
|---|---|
| Don't skip any comment | An unanswered item is noticed and delays the process. |
| Don't answer superficially | Saying "thanks, noted" without changing anything risks rejection. |
| Push back politely, with reasons | Respectful disagreement is fine; "we didn't" is not. |
| Don't introduce new errors | While fixing, keep title-abstract-conclusion consistent. |
| Don't miss the deadline | A silent delay can lead to withdrawal. |
Can a paper still be rejected after a minor revision?
Rarely. A minor revision is usually accepted by the editor (often without sending it back to reviewers) once the fixes are made. Rejection risk comes almost entirely from not taking the comments seriously. So the outcome is largely in your hands.
Minor or major?
If the decision is major revision rather than minor, the requested changes are more extensive (extra analysis, restructuring) and the process is managed differently — see the major revision guide.
A revision request is a sign the paper is close to acceptance. To shorten this round from the start on your next paper, Peerfect's free pre-review engine shows the questions a reviewer will ask before you submit — so you reach acceptance faster, with fewer comments.