The Publication Plan for everyone interested in medical writing, the development of medical

publications, and publication planning

How to preprint properly: updated guidance from the

ICMJE

The Publication Plan 1 week ago

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The ICMJE has published detailed guidance for journals and authors on the use of preprints,
including choice of preprint server, citing preprints, and transparent reporting practices.

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has recently updated its
recommendations for reporting biomedical research to include a new section on preprints.

Preprints are becoming increasingly popular as a rapid means of communicating scientific

advances, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. While speedy dissemination of results is an
appealing feature of preprints in the fast-moving world of research, the absence of peer review
may detract from the validity of findings reported in preprints. The ICMJE’s updated guidance
aims to maximise the benefits of preprints and minimise the potential harms.
Preprints were briefly mentioned in the 2018 update of the ICMJE recommendations, however
the latest document gives more detailed guidance for journals and authors on:

journal policies – journals should describe their preprint policies in the Instructions for
Authors, and authors should consult these before uploading their research to a preprint server
choice of preprint archive – the ICMJE provides 6 essential characteristics authors should
consider when choosing a preprint archive, including clear warning about the lack of peer
review, commenting features, and withdrawal notices
submitting preprints to peer-reviewed journals – authors should inform the journal
about the existing preprint and update the preprint to signpost to the full article once
published
citing preprints – the word ‘preprint’ should appear both in the reference list and where the
preprint is cited within the text.

We look forward to seeing authors and journals implement these recommendations in the
coming months and hope the guidance can contribute to the consistent and transparent
reporting of preprinted research.

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Categories

Journal selection, Peer review, Reporting guidelines

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Peer review publication, Preprint, Reporting guidelines

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Categories: Journal selection, Peer review, Reporting guidelines

Tags: Peer review publication, Preprint, Reporting guidelines

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