Can The Corresponding Authors And Order Of Authors Be Changed In The Revised Paper?

Under Submission and Peer Review, Publication Ethics

Question Description

Hi, I have a problem. I have finally managed to get my paper accepted with minor revisions.

However, my professor suddenly requires me to change the corresponding authors and the

order of authors. I am not willing to make such a change when I send the revised paper,

e ause I’ af aid that su h a e uest ould gi e a ad i p essio to the edito / e ie e a d lead to rejection. What should I do?

Answer

Generally speaking, journals should not have any problem with changing the order of authors

as long as all the authors agree with this change and the final version of the paper is approved

by all of them. Changing the corresponding author should be avoided unless there is a strong

reason for doing so. This is because a level of comfort has already developed between the

corresponding author and the editor over the earlier email exchanges.

However, if there is a genuine reason for changing the order of authors or the corresponding

authors, I don't think the editor will be annoyed, provided you explain the reason clearly.

Ultimately what is most important is that each person receives due credit for his/her

contribution to the paper. In certain fields, the order of authors reflects the level of

contribution each author has made. If, during the revision, the extent of contribution of the

authors has changed, this change should reflect in the order of authors.

There is another angle to your problem. If your professor is a co-author on this paper, you will

require his/her approval on the final version of the paper. Moreover, you will have to deal with

this professor as long as you are in the same institution, so you should sort out this issue

amicably and not let it affect your relationship with him/her. The best course of action would

be to discuss the authorship issues with your professor and the other co-authors. Share your

concerns with them and come to an agreement on the authorship issue. If all the co-authors

agree that the changes need to be made, you can write to the editor explaining the reason for

the ha ges. If the easo s a e alid, I do ’t thi k the edito ill e a oyed.