Preprint Servers Guide

Submission Workflow

arXiv Submission

1. Create an account at arxiv.org and get endorsed (new users need endorsement in the relevant category).
2. Prepare your manuscript:
   • LaTeX source (preferred): upload .tex + figures + .bbl as a single archive
   • PDF: accepted but LaTeX is strongly preferred
3. Select categories: Choose a primary category (e.g., cs.CL) and optional cross-lists.
4. Submit metadata: Title, abstract, authors, comments, journal-ref (if applicable).
5. Wait for processing: Papers appear in the next daily posting (submissions before 14:00 ET on weekdays).
6. Receive arXiv ID: Format YYMM.NNNNN (e.g., 2401.12345).

# Download arXiv paper PDF programmatically
curl -o paper.pdf https://arxiv.org/pdf/2401.12345

# Get metadata via arXiv API
curl "http://export.arxiv.org/api/query?id_list=2401.12345"

bioRxiv/medRxiv Submission

1. Create an account at biorxiv.org or medrxiv.org.
2. Upload manuscript as a single Word or PDF file.
3. Add metadata: Title, authors with ORCIDs, abstract, subject area.
4. Select license: CC-BY, CC-BY-NC, CC-BY-ND, CC-BY-NC-ND, or CC0.
5. Screening: bioRxiv screens for plagiarism, dual submission, and non-scientific content. medRxiv applies additional clinical content screening.
6. Posting: Typically within 24-48 hours after screening.

# bioRxiv API: search recent preprints
import requests

response = requests.get(
    "https://api.biorxiv.org/details/biorxiv/2024-01-01/2024-01-31",
    params={"cursor": 0, "format": "json"}
)
papers = response.json()["collection"]
for p in papers[:5]:
    print(f"[{p['date']}] {p['title']} (doi: {p['doi']})")

Licensing Options

Recommendation: Use CC-BY for maximum openness and compatibility with funder mandates (NIH, Wellcome Trust, ERC). Use CC-BY-NC if you want to restrict commercial reuse.

Journal Policies on Preprints

Most major publishers now accept manuscripts previously posted as preprints:

• Accepts preprints: Nature, Science, PNAS, Cell, Lancet, BMJ, PLOS, eLife, all IEEE journals, most ACM venues
• Does not accept preprints: Some society journals in certain fields (check SHERPA/RoMEO at sherpa.ac.uk/romeo for specific policies)

Important considerations:

• Some journals require you to update the preprint with a link to the published version.
• Dual posting on multiple preprint servers may violate policies.
• Embargo periods may apply for some clinical journals (especially medRxiv).

Programmatic Access Comparison

Best Practices

1. Post before or at submission: Maximize the time for community feedback.
2. Use ORCIDs: Link your preprint to your ORCID profile for discoverability.
3. Update with journal DOI: After acceptance, add a comment or new version linking to the published article.
4. Choose the right server: Use the discipline-specific server for maximum visibility within your community.
5. Check funder requirements: Some funders (NIH, Plan S) mandate preprint posting for funded research.