The review process depends a lot on the reference you cite. My personal
experience is that associate editors distribute your paper by reading
your reference list. (I bet there must be some reviewers in the author
list of your reference.)
Don't cite those people with bad reputations or with
trivial results. ( your boss should have such a list in his head.)
Cite those trully contributted to your field and those
who are buddies of your boss:->). It would help you to publish your paper and
also get