Preprints are defined as an author’s version of a research manuscript prior to formal peer review at a journal, which is deposited on a public server.
- Some platforms provide a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) for each manuscript, which makes it citable even before formal publication and facilitates links between the preprint and its final version when it is published in a journal.
- DOI can be included in grant applications, and some progressive granting agenties even recommend including it (e.g. NIH).
- Preprints are Open Access by their nature, meaning that they are easy for other researchers to find and cite.
- The nature of preprints also means that authors’ findings are made available more rapidly than traditional publication routes.
- Preprints can supplement traditional peer review by allowing a wide circle of peers to discover the work and contact the author with suggestions for improvements that might be made.
- Preprints are not generally considered as publications. Most journals will accept articles that have been shared as preprints; however, some journals will not. We recommend you check the journal’s policies on this matter prior to submitting an article that you have previously shared as a preprint. You can find information about most journal policies at SHERPA/RoMEO and Traspose database.
