What the work involves
A peer reviewer reads a submitted manuscript, evaluates it and advises the editor. Journals differ in how they run review, whether it is anonymous and what they expect.
Who the work may fit
This fits physicians with subject expertise and time for careful reading. Decline a manuscript if you have a conflict or lack the expertise.
Questions before you say yes
- What does the journal expect me to evaluate?
- Do I have a conflict of interest with the authors or topic?
- How long do I have?
- Does the journal allow AI tools in review?
- Is there payment or another benefit, and is it reported anywhere?
Your first step
Read the journal's reviewer instructions and its policy on conflicts and AI before you accept the invitation.
What can go wrong
Sharing the manuscript or using an AI tool in a way that breaches the journal's confidentiality rules.
How to get started, step by step
Turn the idea into a specific next action. These are preparation steps, not approval to perform a role.
- Check the journal's reviewer instructions and timeline.
- Declare any conflicts of interest to the editor.
- Keep the manuscript and its content strictly confidential.
- Do not use an AI tool on the manuscript unless the journal's instructions allow it.
- Delete or return materials according to the journal's policy.
Where to look and who to ask
Use search terms and contacts that fit this work. Check the actual source and current requirements; these suggestions are not verified openings or Saile inventory.
- Respond to invitations from journals in your specialty.
- Ask editors of journals you read how to join their reviewer pool.
- Check any payment terms in writing.
Scheduling and payment realities
Reviews have deadlines. Decline early if you cannot meet them.
Keep gross pay and taxes separate
For federal employment taxes, the IRS considers control and the relationship, not only the contract label. Self-employed individuals generally pay income and self-employment tax and may need estimated payments. Keep payment and expense records and ask a tax professional about your actual arrangement; this guide does not calculate take-home pay.
IRS: Independent contractor or employee
IRS: Self-employed individuals tax center
Before you say yes: a final checklist
Do not let an unanswered question become an assumed term.
- Do I have expertise?
- Any conflicts?
- Can I meet the deadline?
- Do I know the AI policy?
- Will I keep the material confidential?
Work types to compare
Telemedicine
Compare visit type, patient states, schedule and clinical support.
Locum tenens
Compare assignment duties, onboarding, travel and written terms.
Per diem / PRN
Compare minimum commitments, offered shifts and cancellation rules.
Consulting / project work
Compare eligibility, deliverables, conflicts and review deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
How much does this work pay?
This guide does not quote a market rate or promise earnings. Compare a verified written offer, including all required work and expenses.
Does Saile have this work available now?
Check the Saile app for current openings. This educational guide does not claim that a particular role or project is available.
Can I do this alongside my main job?
Check outside-work approval, conflicts, confidentiality and scheduling obligations before accepting.
What should I get in writing?
The work, deliverables, schedule, payment terms, coverage responsibilities, cancellation terms and the steps required before starting.
What should I do next?
Request a sample task without unnecessary patient information, a review policy and an escalation path. Read confidentiality and liability terms before taking access to records.
What the primary sources say
The ICMJE says editors must make clear that reviewers should keep manuscripts, associated material and the information they contain strictly confidential. It says reviewers and editorial staff must not publicly discuss the authors' work, reviewers must not appropriate authors' ideas before the manuscript is published, and reviewers must not retain the manuscript for personal use. It notes that using AI technology in processing manuscripts may violate confidentiality and that instructions to reviewers should include guidance about AI use. Follow the journal's instructions and ask if you are unsure.
ICMJE: Responsibilities in the submission and peer-review process