As Head & Neck Surgery enters its second decade of publication, it seems appropriate to reflect on the past, evaluate the present, and anticipate some changes for the future. I credit Alan Nahum, MD, Founding Editor, for the vision and energy to launch this publication a decade ago. Head & Neck Surgery was a recognized and established organ of publication for our specialty when I assumed its editorship in 1984. Since then, the editorial staff and I have strived for excellence in medical literature and have attempted to bring the reader first-class peer-reviewed scientific information, drawn from a steady flow of manuscript submissions in a variety of subjects related to the sciences and specialties of the head and neck. The members of the Editorial Board have actively participated in shaping the format and content of this journal, and a large body of expert referees have given freely of their time and knowledge in the process of peer review. Generally, the suggestions for manuscript revision from the referees have been well received by authors, resulting in improved written presentations.
Two years ago, John Wiley 8z Sons polled the readership, and many of the recommendations received in that survey have been implemented in Head & Neck Surgery. During the last 12 months, the number of manuscript submissions has increased by nearly 60%. The majority of manuscripts are returned to the author for one or more revisions before they are accepted for publication. The rejection rate has remained approximately 25%.