Feedback from reviewers

‘I had a very positive experience with the author I was allocated to. We had a useful series of communications to improve the manuscript and I recommended other appropriate journals the author might consider – the paper went on to successful publication. I found the contact personally and professionally quite satisfying and the author really appeared to appreciate the input – kind of like mentoring at a distance.’

‘I was allocated one person and tried to contact them twice but I am afraid they never got back to me. I thought the initiative was a good idea but, unfortunately, the author did not engage. I hope others did’.

‘I was very pleased to participate in this project, as I thought it was an excellent idea. Unfortunately, the author I was assigned was largely unresponsive, which meant that my input was minimal and I did not see an updated draft of the manuscript to be able to comment on whether it had improved. Hopefully my experience was the exception. It wasn't clear whether the lack of responsiveness was because the author felt that additional support was unnecessary, or because of some other reason.’

Feedback from authors in intervention arm

‘Our manuscript…was submitted to the BJP but was not accepted for publication. We were subsequently enrolled in the LMIC RCT project. X was supposed to be the mentor for our manuscript. But (after one email with brief suggestions) we had no contact with X again. So, repackaged the manuscript and resubmitted to British Journal of Psychiatry International (formerly International Psychiatry). It was accepted for publication and published in the supplement edition of the journal.’

‘I was grateful to participate in the capacity building trail, and cherished the opportunity very much. However, I had just gave birth to my baby then, so the procedure suspended after two sessions of interaction by email. Although have not finished the procedure, I felt very helpful to take part in the study. I got a great improvement in research thinking. I have conducted further study to improve my manuscript since 2011, and just finished the work last month. Thank you again for giving me the chance to participate in this study. It is very helpful to me.’

Feedback from non-responders

‘A combination of busy schedule and lack of obvious utility to me contributed to the decision.’

‘I perceived your email as patronizing.’

‘I am very sorry that I have not take part in your trial.… I could not remember that I had gotten the invitation. If you have further study, I am more than happy to participate.’

‘Thanks for your email. Actually I am surprising with your email. I don't remember that I said No participate in your study. Actually I would like to participate in this great study.’

‘We chose not to take part in capacity building trial, as we preferred a fast-track assessment.’