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3 months ago in Scientific publishing By Varun
What is a "corresponding author," and what are their specific responsibilities before and after a paper is published?
I'm the lead on a manuscript, and my PI says I should be the corresponding author. I know it means handling journal communication, but what does that entail exactly? What am I responsible for during submission, review, and after acceptance?
All Answers (3 Answers In All)
By Anjum Answered 2 months ago
Being corresponding author is a significant administrative and scholarly role. Your core responsibility is to be the primary liaison between all co-authors and the journal. Before submission, you ensure all authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript and manage any conflicts of interest. You handle the entire submission portal, including uploading files and forms. During review, you coordinate responses to reviewers, ensuring all co-authors contribute to revisions and approve the final response letter. After acceptance, you review and approve page proofs, often within a tight 48-hour window. Post-publication, you manage requests for data, materials, or corrections, and you are the point of contact for any post-publication issues like errata. It’s a role that demands organization, diplomacy, and a deep understanding of the paper’s content. While time-consuming, it’s a mark of leadership and ownership of the work.
Replied 1 month ago
By Varun
Thanks a lot for this explanation Anjum.
Reply to Anjum
By Aama Answered 1 month ago
In my experience, the corresponding author is part administrator, part diplomat. They keep everyone aligned during revisions and make sure deadlines are met, especially when journals expect quick turnaround on proofs or responses.
After publication, they’re also the public face of the paper answering questions, sharing materials, and dealing with any issues that come up. It’s a lot of work, but it gives you clear ownership of the project.
Replied 1 month ago
By Varun
Thank you, this was really helpful Aama.
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By Sabrina Sheikh Answered 1 month ago
I’d add that the corresponding author needs a deep understanding of the entire paper, not just their own contribution. Journals and readers will contact them with questions long after publication.
For early-career researchers, serving as corresponding author can be a strong signal of independence, as long as expectations are clear among co-authors from the start.
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