1. What are preprints? Preprints are complete versions of scientific manuscripts that have not yet been through editorial, journal-organized peer review. Learn more about the history of preprints here. You can submit your manuscript on a preprint server for free, and it will be posted online in less than 48 hours. Most preprint servers screen for offensive, dangerous, and/or non-scientific content, and check the manuscript for plagiarism before approving the posting. You will retain the copyright associated with your preprint; however the kind of license under which your preprint is published will depend on the server of choice. A popular server, bioRxiv, for example, will let you choose from a number of distribution/reuse options for your preprint at the time of submission.