Preprint Policy

Last Updated: 1/4/2025

Section 1: General Principles

1. Definition and Scope

Preprints are defined as early versions of research manuscripts that:

  • Are publicly posted on recognized preprint servers.

  • Have not yet undergone formal peer review.

  • Are openly accessible to the scientific community.

2. Approved Preprint Servers

AJBM recognizes and accepts preprints deposited in reputable platforms, including but not limited to:

  • bioRxiv

  • medRxiv

  • arXiv (q-bio)

  • OSF Preprints

  • Research Square

  • SSRN (Life Sciences)

Section 2: Author Guidelines

1. Submission Requirements

Authors submitting a manuscript to AJBM must:

  • Declare the existence of any preprint at the time of submission.

  • Provide the preprint DOI or other unique identifier.

  • Include a link to the preprint in the cover letter or submission system.

  • Update the preprint record once the manuscript is accepted and published.

2. Version Control

  • Authors must clearly label all preprint versions.

  • Links should be maintained between the preprint, submitted manuscript, and the published article.

  • When the final version of record is published in AJBM, the preprint must be updated with the citation and DOI.

3. Timing Considerations

  • Concurrent submission to AJBM and a preprint server is permitted.

  • Authors may update preprints during peer review, provided changes are transparent.

  • Once published in AJBM, authors must reference the journal’s version of record.

Section 3: Journal Policies

1. Acceptance of Preprints

  • AJBM accepts manuscripts that have previously been posted as preprints.

  • Preprint posting does not prejudice editorial evaluation.

  • The journal encourages responsible preprint use as part of its commitment to open science.

2. Citation Guidelines

  • Preprints may be cited in AJBM submissions when relevant.

  • Authors must clearly distinguish between preprint citations and peer-reviewed sources.

  • The citation must include the preprint server name, DOI, and version number.

3. Media Coverage

  • Authors may share and discuss their preprints on social media or through press releases.

  • AJBM requires that authors include a disclaimer noting that preprints are not peer-reviewed.

Section 4: Peer Review Process

1. Reviewer Guidelines

  • Reviewers will be informed if a manuscript has an associated preprint.

  • Reviewers may consult preprint versions but must base their evaluation on the submitted manuscript.

  • Confidentiality of the peer-review process must be maintained.

2. Version Tracking

  • Editorial staff will document changes between preprint versions and the submitted manuscript.

  • Final published versions will be linked to the corresponding preprint.

Section 5: Publication Process

1. Final Publication

  • Upon acceptance, authors must update the preprint record with a citation to the AJBM version of record and its DOI.

  • Cross-referencing ensures proper attribution and clarity of the scholarly record.

2. Copyright and Licensing

  • Articles published in AJBM are licensed under CC BY 4.0, which is compatible with most preprint server policies.

  • Authors retain copyright and full rights to deposit their work in repositories.

Section 6: Ethical Considerations

1. Research Integrity

  • Authors must ensure that preprint content is accurate, transparent in methodology, and free of misconduct.

  • Corrections and retractions of preprints should be managed by the hosting server, with authors responsible for disclosure to AJBM.

2. Priority Claims

  • Posting a preprint establishes a date-stamped scientific record.

  • Citation priority is based on the preprint’s posting date, but the version of record in AJBM remains the definitive publication.

Section 7: Implementation

  • AJBM uses a Preprint Declaration Form to document preprint details at submission.

  • The journal’s submission system maintains links between preprints, manuscripts, and published versions.

  • DOIs are cross-referenced between preprints and final publications to ensure discoverability.

Section 8: Monitoring and Review

  • Compliance with this policy is tracked during submission and publication.

  • Links to preprints are verified for accuracy and citation integrity.

  • The policy will be reviewed periodically in consultation with COPE recommendations and updated as needed.