Page 129 - How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 8th Edition 8th Edition

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Additions to the Proofs

Early in this chapter, I stated that authors are sent proof so that they can check the accuracy of the typesetting. Stated
negatively, the proof stage is not the time for revision, rewriting, rephrasing, addition of more recent material, or any
other significant change from the final edited manuscript. There are three good reasons why you should not make
substantial changes in the proofs.

First, an ethical consideration: Since neither proofs nor changes in the proof are seen by the editor unless the journal is
a small one-person operation, it is simply not proper to make substantive changes. The manuscript approved by the
editor, after peer review, is the one that should be printed, not some new version containing material not seen by the
editor and the reviewers.

Second, it is not wise to disturb typeset material, unless it is really necessary, because new typographical errors may
be introduced.

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Third, corrections are expensive. Because they are expensive, you should not abuse the publisher (possibly a scientific
society of which you are an otherwise loyal member); in addition, you just might be hit with a substantial bill for
author's alterations. Most journals absorb the cost of a reasonable number of author's alterations, but many, especially
those with managing editors or business managers, will sooner or later crack down on you if you are patently guilty of
excessive alteration of the proofs.

One type of addition to the proof is frequently allowed. The need arises when a paper on the same or a related subject
appears in print while yours is in process. In light of the new study, you might be tempted to rewrite several portions
of your paper. You must resist this temptation, for the reasons stated above. What you should do is prepare a short (a
few sentences only) Addendum in Proof, describing the general nature of the new work and giving the literature
reference. The Addendum can then be printed at the end without disturbing the body of the paper.

Addition of References

Quite commonly, a new paper appears that you would like to add to your References, but you need not make any
appreciable change in the text, other than adding a few words, perhaps, and the number of the new reference. (The
following assumes that the journal employs the numbered, alphabetized list system.)

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