# Onboarding Reviewers

Since the pyOpenSci open peer review process is driven and led by volunteers, it
is important that they are successfully onboarded.

For finding reviewers, please read the [Finding Reviewers](finding-reviewers.md) guide.

Below, we discuss processes for onboarding reviewers and making sure they are supported during the peer review process.

## Inviting Reviewers

If you'd like to, you can use the email template below to invite reviewers.

```{include} ../appendices/reviewer-request-template.md

```

When inviting reviewers, include something like "If I don't hear from
you in a week, I'll assume you are unable to review," to give a clear
deadline when you'll move on to looking for someone else to keep the processing
moving.

(review-mentorship)=
## Peer Review Mentorship

pyOpenSci encourages those who are newer to review to become involved in our
open peer review process. As such, we offer a reviewer mentorship program
where we pair a new reviewer with someone in the community who has previous
review experience.

It is useful for reviewers to not only review the technical content of a
package, but also to review the documentation and package installation process
for usability.

If a new reviewer is interested in becoming a reviewer but would like some
support, do the following:

1. The Editor can lead the effort to find mentors for the new reviewers by posting in the `#software-review` Slack channel for help.
2. If the Editor needs support in finding a mentor, they can contact the **EiC** or **peer review lead** for guidance.

### Once a Mentor is Identified

1. Invite the new reviewer to our pyOpenSci Slack.
2. Start a private DM group chat with the new reviewer and the mentor(s) so
   they are introduced.
3. Let the review proceed from there.