Does the journal allow me to publish my research results in other forms?
Many journals permit dissemination of research results via formats like preprints or data repositories prior to or alongside formal journal publication, but the specific policy varies significantly. Publishers generally prohibit publishing substantially identical content elsewhere without explicit permission.
Key principles involve transparency and respecting copyright. Preprint archiving (e.g., arXiv, bioRxiv) is widely accepted if disclosed during submission. Conference abstracts or presentations are typically acceptable. Sharing underlying data in recognized repositories is encouraged and required by many funders. Crucially, submitting work already published as a full, peer-reviewed article elsewhere is almost always prohibited (duplicate submission/publication). Authors must always verify the target journal's detailed policy, often found under "Author Guidelines" or "Instructions for Authors," regarding prior dissemination and preprint policies.
Authors should proactively check the specific publication policies and embargo periods detailed by the journal. Clearly disclose any prior dissemination (e.g., preprints, conference papers) during manuscript submission. This transparency avoids ethical breaches like duplicate publication accusations and ensures compliance, safeguarding the manuscript's consideration for peer review.
