Preprints are academic papers and articles released before peer review, and they’re typically made publicly available on preprint repositories by the author. Preprints can cover any subject from any field, from engineering and medicine to medieval studies and sociology. The idea is to disseminate research and contribute to global knowledge.
Whether you're a researcher releasing your knowledge, a student looking to understand the kinds of research that are being done in your field, or a curious individual wanting to learn more, there are plenty of reasons to use preprints. However, it is important to be aware of what preprints are and to evaluate them, and their servers, on an individual basis.
Potential Benefits:
Things to Consider:
When considering submitting to a preprint repository, a common worry is whether the target publisher will no longer accept the work if it is already available as a preprint. Fortunately, as preprints continue to rise in popularity, more and more journals are updating their policies. In fact, some publishers facilitate posting preprints to their own or a partner platform. However, while some allow the release of preprints before publication and even encourage it, others don't; it's best to always check with the policies of your target journal before making a preprint available.
When considering whether a preprint server is suitable for you, it's also important to consider whether it meshes with your target journal. While it's possible to search each server and journal separately, this can be a time-consuming endeavour. ASAPbio provides a directory of perprint server policies and practices, though you should always check with the journal for the most accurate and up to date information.