Letters to the editor: Processes and pitfalls

Abstract

Letters to the editor (LTE) offer journal readers the opportunity to engage in continued scholarly dialogue in response to a published article. A previous discussion on this topic considered steps to write a letter and tips for success targeted to letter writers. In this article, our focus is on letter related tasks for journal editors. We will offer process guidelines for editors to consider for letter submissions and thoughts about several potential pitfalls, such as the effect on journal impact factor; possible con ict of interest or bias; and concerns about factual accuracy.