18 Preprints and Postprints

Preprints are author copies of manuscripts prior to acceptance by a journal (preprints are also called "submitted" manuscripts). Postprints are author copies of manuscripts after acceptance for publication by a journal (postprints are also called "accepted" manuscripts). Sharing preprints and postprints increases access to research. Papers are indexed by Google Scholar and Europe PMC, increasing discoverability. Preprint authors also have the chance to receive feedback on their work, improving its quality prior to publication. As of August 2022, all APA core titles allow posting of preprints and postprints without embargo.

Most journals in psychology allow the submission of preprints (submitted manuscripts) to disciplinary repositories like PsyArXiv without embargo or restriction, and a growing number also allow submission of postprints (accepted manuscripts) without any embargo. By contrast, the journal-typeset version of an article is often referred to as the “published version,” and this version is usually subject to more restrictions on sharing. Authors can check Sherpa Romeo to verify the policies of the journal to which they are submitting or have been accepted.