What sets Authorea preprints apart?

While preprinting and preprint servers are increasing in frequency very quickly there is one key difference between Authorea and all other preprints and preprint servers -- the ability to preprint in HTML, not just PDF.  A feature that will likely soon become a requirement for indexing in a central repository (see: Request for Applications for the development of a Central Service) and a major request of readers. HTML preprints also help with discoverability (Search Engine Optimization) as well as data mining and easy translation.  In short, PDFs were not designed for the web, HTML is the web.  Beyond allowing content to be presented online in HTML we also allow versioning of DOIs, thus you can issue a DOI, collect feedback, make changes, and then issue a new version of your DOI for your updated manuscript. 

Some facts about digital object identifiers (DOIs)

  1. A DOI is a persistent identifier used by all scholarly publishers.
  2. DOIs help ensure content can be reliably cited.

Some facts about preprints

  1. Preprints do not preclude publishing in traditional journals. (see here for more information)
  2. Preprints can be used to to establish priority of ideas and discoveries.
  3. Preprints can be used to solicit open feedback.
  4. Preprints can be used in various grant applications to supplement publication record.
  5. Preprints won't divide your citation count amongst publications (we link them).

How to assign a DOI on Authorea

When you're ready to assign a DOI on Authorea you can do so by selecting the "Publish" option from the drop down menu in your toolbar. From there, simply hit "Publish" and a DOI will be generated for you via Crossref.  As seen below,  preprinting on Authorea is independent of the ability to submit to journals and we are continually working with publishers.  Authorea will always provide researchers the ability to export to different journal styles and to submit directly to the journals that matter for their work and career.