To cite a preprint in APA style, treat it as an unpublished manuscript and include the preprint server name, DOI or URL, and the notation "Preprint" in brackets after the title.
Basic APA Format for Preprints
The standard structure follows this pattern:
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of preprint [Preprint]. Preprint Server Name. DOI or URL
For example:
Chen, L., & Rodriguez, M. (2024). Neural mechanisms underlying memory consolidation during sleep [Preprint]. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.01.123456
Key Elements to Include
Author names: List all authors in the order they appear on the preprint, using the same format as published articles.
Year: Use the year the preprint was posted or most recently updated on the server.
Title: Italicize the full title and capitalize only the first word, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon.
[Preprint] notation: This bracketed label immediately follows the title to indicate the work's status.
Server name: Include the preprint server (bioRxiv, arXiv, SSRN, PsyArXiv, etc.) where the work is hosted.
DOI or URL: Preprints typically have DOIs; if not available, use the direct URL to the preprint page.
Special Considerations
If the preprint has since been published in a peer-reviewed journal, cite the published version instead — the journal article supersedes the preprint as the authoritative source.
When the preprint lacks a formal publication date, use the posting date visible on the server's landing page.
For in-text citations, treat preprints like any other source: (Chen & Rodriguez, 2024) for parenthetical citations or "Chen and Rodriguez (2024)" for narrative citations.
Ensuring Citation Accuracy
Managing preprint citations alongside traditional sources can become complex, especially when tracking which preprints have transitioned to publication. WisPaper's TrueCite automatically verifies citation formatting and helps identify when preprints have been formally published, ensuring your reference list stays current and accurate throughout the writing process.
