Appreciation to Reviewers
How many ways can I say thank you to the many reviewers and friends of Psychiatric Services for the contributions that you make to the quality of the journal by providing me with helpful advice and our authors with expert guidance to improve their papers? Every year I have this opportunity to express my gratitude, and although clever words escape me, let me again say what a pleasure it is to work with you in this labor of love for mental health services.
In the past year, I have tried to send fewer papers for a full peer review in order to spare the precious time of our reviewers. When I don't think that a submitted manuscript is appropriate for the journal, I usually ask one or more members of our excellent editorial board to assist me in deciding whether the manuscript warrants further review. A prompt decision to reject an inappropriate paper also permits authors to more quickly submit it elsewhere.
In another attempt to save reviewers time, the editorial assistants have been making an extra effort to let reviewers know when we have received a sufficient number of peer reviews to make a decision about a particular manuscript. Reviewers who have not yet submitted a review can then skip the assignment, which allows us to call upon them again sooner for another paper.
If you get the impression that we consider reviewers a scarce and valuable resource, then you have the gist of my holiday thank you message. Your efforts are appreciated, and I enjoy reading your communications. I am continually impressed by the remarkable amount of time that many of you devote to providing comprehensive reviews and detailed instructions to authors. The journal receives a great deal of positive feedback from authors about the helpfulness of your reviews. Together with our authors and readers, you are the lifeblood of the journal.
Note: Because of the publication deadline, the list of reviewers represents those who submitted a review between October 1, 2004, and September 30, 2005. Carol E. Adair, Ph.D.
