Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery Journal Submission

Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Journal Submission: A Comprehensive Guide

Submitting your research to the prestigious Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) journal requires meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of their publication guidelines. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the entire submission process, from initial manuscript preparation to post-acceptance procedures. We'll cover key aspects to maximize your chances of acceptance and ensure a smooth journey through the peer-review process.

Understanding OHNS Journal's Scope and Aims

Before embarking on your submission, thoroughly understand the journal's scope and aims. OHNS publishes original research articles, reviews, and case reports related to diseases and conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. They prioritize high-quality research that significantly advances the field of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Familiarize yourself with recently published articles to gauge the journal's current focus and style. This will significantly help in tailoring your manuscript to their expectations.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Innovative surgical techniques: New procedures, refinements of existing techniques, and comparative studies evaluating surgical outcomes.
• Basic science research: Investigations into the underlying mechanisms of otolaryngologic diseases.
• Clinical trials: Rigorously conducted trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of new treatments.
• Epidemiology and public health: Studies examining the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of otolaryngologic conditions.
• Health services research: Research on healthcare delivery, resource allocation, and quality improvement within the field.
• Imaging and diagnostic techniques: Advances in imaging modalities and their application to otolaryngology.
• Pediatric otolaryngology: Research specific to ear, nose, and throat conditions in children.
• Oncology: Studies focusing on head and neck cancers, including diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Manuscript Preparation: A Step-by-Step Approach

The success of your submission hinges on a meticulously prepared manuscript. OHNS adheres to strict formatting guidelines, which must be followed precisely. Deviation from these guidelines can lead to immediate rejection.

1. Choosing the Right Article Type:

OHNS accepts various article types, each with specific requirements:

• Original Research Article: Presents new findings from original research. This type requires a structured abstract, detailed methodology, robust statistical analysis, and a comprehensive discussion.
• Review Article: Provides a critical appraisal of the existing literature on a specific topic. This requires a broad understanding of the literature and a clear, concise synthesis of information.
• Case Report: Presents a detailed description of an unusual or interesting case with clinical significance. While shorter than original research articles, they still require a structured presentation.
• Short Communication: Presents preliminary findings or brief updates on ongoing research.
• Letter to the Editor: Allows for commenting on previously published articles or raising important issues in the field.

2. Structuring Your Manuscript:

Regardless of the article type, a well-structured manuscript is crucial. Follow the OHNS author guidelines precisely regarding the order and content of each section. Common sections include:

• Title: Concise, informative, and reflects the core findings of the research. Use keywords effectively.
• Abstract: A concise summary of the study's objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. Pay close attention to the word limit.
• Introduction: Provides background information, establishes the context of the study, and clearly states the research question or hypothesis.
• Materials and Methods: Describes in detail the study design, participants, data collection methods, and statistical analysis. Transparency and reproducibility are paramount.
• Results: Presents the findings of the study in a clear, concise, and objective manner. Use tables and figures to effectively communicate complex data.
• Discussion: Interprets the results in light of the existing literature, addresses limitations, and discusses the implications of the findings.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the key findings and their implications.
• References: Use a consistent citation style (typically Vancouver) and ensure all references are accurate and complete.
• Figures and Tables: High-quality figures and tables are essential for effectively communicating your results. Ensure they are clearly labeled and referenced in the text.

3. Writing Style and Tone:

OHNS prefers a clear, concise, and objective writing style. Avoid jargon and overly technical language whenever possible. Ensure your manuscript is free of grammatical errors and typographical mistakes. Use active voice whenever possible for better clarity.

4. Ethical Considerations:

Adherence to ethical guidelines is mandatory. Ensure you have obtained appropriate ethical approvals, informed consent from participants, and adhered to all relevant regulations. Clearly state your ethical approvals in the manuscript.

The Submission Process: Navigating the OHNS Platform

Once your manuscript is meticulously prepared, the submission process involves using the OHNS online submission system. This platform guides you through the steps, allowing you to upload your manuscript and supporting documents.

1. Online Submission:

Carefully follow the instructions provided on the OHNS website to create an account and initiate the submission process. You will be required to upload your manuscript, figures, tables, and any supplementary materials. Double-check everything before clicking "submit".

2. Choosing Reviewers:

You may be given the option to suggest potential reviewers who possess expertise in your field. This is an excellent opportunity to influence the peer-review process by suggesting suitable experts who can accurately assess your work.

3. Responding to Reviewer Comments:

After submission, your manuscript undergoes peer review. Be prepared to receive feedback from reviewers, which might include suggestions for revisions. Responding to reviewer comments thoroughly and professionally is crucial. Address each comment specifically, explaining your rationale for accepting or rejecting their suggestions.

4. Revisions and Resubmission:

Revised manuscripts should address all reviewer comments meticulously. Clearly indicate all changes made in response to the reviewers’ comments, often using track changes in a word processor. Resubmission follows a similar process to the initial submission.

Optimizing Your Chances of Acceptance: Key Strategies

While there are no guarantees, several strategies can significantly increase your chances of acceptance in OHNS:

• Thorough literature review: Demonstrate a strong understanding of the existing literature and clearly position your research within the field.
• Strong methodology: Ensure your study design is robust and appropriate for answering your research question.
• Rigorous data analysis: Use appropriate statistical methods and clearly present your results.
• Clear and concise writing: Write in a style that is easy to understand and free of grammatical errors.
• Adherence to guidelines: Follow the journal's guidelines meticulously.
• Professional presentation: Ensure your manuscript is well-organized, visually appealing, and free of errors.
• Addressing limitations: Acknowledge the limitations of your study honestly and transparently.
• Significance of findings: Clearly articulate the clinical or scientific significance of your findings.

Post-Acceptance Procedures: Publication and Beyond

Once your manuscript is accepted, the publication process involves several steps:

• Proofreading: You will receive page proofs for review and correction before publication. Carefully check for any errors.
• Copyright transfer: You will be required to sign a copyright transfer agreement.
• Publication: Your article will be published online and potentially in print.
• Dissemination: Promote your published work through various channels to maximize its impact.

Submitting to Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery is a challenging but rewarding process. By following these guidelines, meticulously preparing your manuscript, and addressing reviewer feedback thoughtfully, you can significantly increase your chances of success and contribute meaningfully to the field of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. Remember, persistence and attention to detail are essential throughout the journey.