When citing manuscripts that have not been officially published, what should be the format?

When citing unpublished manuscripts in academic writing, include a clear description, the author(s), year, institutional affiliation, and specify its unpublished status. This ensures traceability and acknowledges pre-publication contributions. The citation format must identify the work as non-published using phrases like "Unpublished manuscript" or "Manuscript in preparation". Provide the author's institutional affiliation for contact and context. If the manuscript is publicly accessible via an institutional repository or preprint server, include the URL and access date. Crucially, obtain the author's permission before citing such work, as unpublished research is subject to change and potential future publication. Always follow the specific style guide required (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Actual citation formats vary slightly by style. In APA, cite as: Author, A. A. (Year). *Title of manuscript* [Unpublished manuscript]. Department Name, University Name. URL. For an arXiv preprint, cite as: Author, A. A. (Year). Title. arXiv preprint arXiv:XXXX.XXXXX. Verify repository names and URLs for accuracy. Consistent application maintains scholarly integrity and directs readers to valuable foundational research or preliminary findings.