Summary of Social Control and Norm Enforcement by Bystanders

## Introduction Manuscript queries are the specific requests or corrections that journal editors, copy editors, or reviewers send to authors during the production and revision process. They ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with journal style. This guide explains common query types, how to respond effectively, and practical examples so you can handle queries confidently even if you cannot attend a live session. > **Definition:** Manuscript queries are editorial or reviewer questions and requests for changes that require author response before publication. ## Why manuscript queries matter - They prevent errors from appearing in the published record. - They ensure that statistical details, references, and formatting meet journal requirements. - Timely, clear responses speed up publication. ## Common types of manuscript queries ### 1. Length and formatting queries Editors often enforce style guidelines (e.g., abstract word limits). A query might ask you to shorten text without rewriting content already copyedited. - Example: "The abstract is too long (Abstracts should not exceed 120 words). Please delete some material (do not rewrite the abstract, since it has already been copy edited) to make the length more manageable." > **Tip:** Remove redundant phrases or sentences, but avoid rewriting text the copy editor already edited. ### 2. Missing sample sizes and statistics Editors commonly request sample sizes (N) for reported statistics such as chi-square tests. A series of queries may look like: "Provide N for this chi-square statistic." - Actionable response: Locate the analysis in your dataset or results section and provide the exact sample size used for that test, e.g., "N = 248." If multiple tests are asked, respond to each with the appropriate N. > Example response format in a reply to the editor: > - Query B: Chi-square reported on page X — N = 312. > - Query C: Chi-square reported on page Y — N = 298. ### 3. Internal consistency queries (Study numbering) Queries may point out inconsistent references such as mentioning "Study 2" when no "Study 1" appears. - Actionable steps: 1. Search the manuscript for all references to Study 1 and Study 2. 2. If Study 1 exists but was renamed or removed, restore consistent numbering or rename references. 3. If only one study exists, remove references to "Study 2" or reword to avoid numbered studies. > Example: Replace "In Study 2 we found..." with "In the follow-up study we found..." or correct numbering to "Study 1" if appropriate. ### 4. Reference and citation queries Editors will flag references that are not cited in text or references with incomplete publication information. - Common queries: - "Not cited in your text. Please cite or delete from the References." - "Provide complete publication information here (city and state of publication, publisher)." - "Should 'and' be inserted here? Please correct, if necessary." - How to respond: 1. If the work is cited in your manuscript, provide the exact in-text location (page/paragraph) to the editor. 2. If the reference is unused, either delete it or cite it appropriately. 3. For books, add publisher city and state and the publisher name in the reference record, e.g., "New York, NY: Academic Press." Follow the journal's reference style. > Example: Editor query L — "Not cited in your text. Please cite or delete from the References." Reply: "Reference L is cited on page 12, paragraph 2 (line 4)." Or: "We removed Reference L per your instruction." ### 5. Minor copy corrections A query may ask about inserting a conjunction or correcting punctuation: "Should 'and' be inserted here? Please correct, if necessary." - Action: Confirm and supply the corrected phrasing. ## Practical example: responding to multiple queries Suppose you receive the following abbreviated set of queries: - A: Shorten the abstract to 120 words. - B–J: Provide N for various chi-square statistics. - K: Reference to "Study 2" without "S