FAQ

What is a preprint?

A preprint is a complete scientific manuscript shared publicly before peer review. It enables rapid communication of research findings while journal review is still underway.

Traditionally, scientific and medical articles are certified by "peer review" before formal publication in a scholarly journal. In this process, editors seek advice from experts (reviewers) to evaluate the paper's methods, results and conclusions. Typically, a journal publishes an article only after the editors are satisfied that the authors have addressed the reviewers' concerns and that the data support the conclusions.

Because this process can be lengthy, authors use the LangTaoSha Preprint Server to make their manuscripts available as "preprints" before peer review certification. This allows other scientists to view, discuss, and provide feedbacks on the findings immediately. Readers should note that articles on the LangTaoSha Preprint Server are preliminary; they have not been finalized by authors, may contain errors, and report information that has not yet been accepted or endorsed by the scientific community.

Are LangTaoSha preprints peer-reviewed?

No. Manuscripts submitted to the LangTaoSha Preprint Server are not certified by scientific peer review prior to being posted online. Consequently, they may contain errors and/or omissions. While some manuscripts may be undergoing peer review elsewhere, the server posts the manuscript prior to such certification.

Who is responsible for the content posted on the LangTaoSha Preprint Server?

Authors bear sole responsibility for the content posted on the LangTaoSha Preprint Server. All submissions undergo basic screening for appropriateness (see Submission Guidelines).

Is there a fee for submitting manuscripts?

No. There is no charge to submit articles to the LangTaoSha Preprint Server.

How long does it take for a preprint to post?

Preprints typically appear online within 72 hours of submission. Screening may take longer during weekends, holidays, or if extra checks are needed.

Can I submit a manuscript to LangTaoSha Preprint Server that I have submitted to a journal?

Yes. A manuscript may be submitted to the LangTaoSha Preprint Server at any time up until it is published by a journal. Once a manuscript has been formally published by a journal, it is no longer eligible for submission as a preprint.

Which journals allow posting of preprints prior to submission?

Most basic research journals consider manuscripts that were posted on the LangTaoSha Preprint Server (or other servers) prior to submission. Lists of journal policies are available on Wikipedia. Authors should consult these resources, specific journal websites, and contact the journal directly if in doubt before submitting.

What types of content can be posted on LangTaoSha Preprint Server?

LangTaoSha Preprint Server is dedicated to the distribution of complete, unpublished research manuscripts. Research articles reporting new, confirmatory, or contradictory findings are welcome.

The Server is NOT intended for the following:

  • Case reports or case series

  • Work not premised on modern biology or physiology

  • Clinical Trials

  • Narrative reviews

  • Editorials, letters, or opinion pieces

  • Announcements of tools or services without supporting data

  • Product advertisements

  • Addenda

  • Hypotheses without new data

  • Preliminary protocols or recipes

  • Meeting reports

  • White papers or policy statements

  • Guidelines

  • Theses, dissertations, term papers, or textbook excerpts

  • Teaching or instructional materials

  • Individual components of research articles (e.g., figures, tables, datasets) without the full text

Articles of the types listed above are considered out of scope and will not be posted.

What are the subject categories?

LangTaoSha Preprint Server covers most aspects of biological sciences research. When posting an article, the author assigns it to one of 15 subject categories (subject to future expansion to accommodate emerging research areas): Biochemistry & Biophysics, Bioengineering & Biotechnology, Biology x AI, Cell Biology, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Developmental Biology & Anatomy, Ecology & Environmental Biology, Genetics& Genomics, Immunology & Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience & Neurobiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Physiology & Pathology, and Plant & Agricultural Science.

Who holds copyright, and what licensing options are supported?

Authors retain copyright of their manuscripts and may choose from the following distribution and reuse options:

  • No reuse/adaptation without permission: Users must obtain permission from the author(s) to share, reuse, remix, or adapt the material.

  • CC-BY-NC-ND: Users may share the material unaltered, for non-commercial purposes only, provided credit is given to the original authors and source. Adaptation or commercial reuse requires permission.

  • CC-BY-ND: Users may share the material unaltered, provided credit is given to the original authors and source. Adaptation requires permission.

  • CC-BY-NC: Users may share, reuse, remix, or adapt the material for noncommercial purposes, provided credit is given to the original authors and source. Commercial reuse requires permission.

  • CC-BY: Users may share, reuse, remix, or adapt the material for any purpose, provided credit is given to the original authors and source.

  • CC0: The paper is placed in the public domain. No copyright restrictions apply; anyone may use the material for any purpose without attribution.

The selected licensing terms determine the parameters for reuse. Copyright and licensing information for each manuscript is displayed beneath the Abstract and on the Info/History tab of the preprint page.

Can I submit a manuscript to LangTaoSha Preprint Server and another preprint server?

We strongly recommend that each preprint be posted on only one server. Articles that have already been posted on other preprint platforms and assigned a formal Digital Object Identifier (DOI) will not be accepted. This policy is intended to ensure that each research work corresponds to a single, unique DOI, thereby avoiding version confusion and preventing potential issues such as inconsistent citations and inaccurate statistical records. Manuscripts already available on other preprint servers will therefore not be posted on LangTaoSha.

What file formats are acceptable for submission?

Authors may submit either a single PDF file or individual text and figure files (which undergo automated PDF conversion).

  • Text files: Word or PDF. TeX/LaTeX files must be converted to PDF prior to submission.

  • Figures and Tables: GIF, TIFF, EPS, JPEG, or common word-processing formats.

  • Supplementary files are posted in their original submitted form and may be provided in a wide range of file formats.

In what formats are preprints available?

Papers are initially posted as PDF files derived from the author's manuscript. Supplemental files remain in the format originally submitted by the author.

Can I revise my preprint?

Yes. Minor errors in metadata (including title, authors, affiliations, abstract) entered during submission may be corrected by contacting the support team at LTSpreprint@smart.org.cn.

For substantial updates to the content (e.g., new datasets, reanalysis, expanded discussion, or additional supplemental information), we recommend uploading a new version.

How do I submit a revised version?

Authors may initiate this process by selecting "Create new version"for a "Posted" manuscript in the submission portal. The updated version will undergo basic screening prior to posting and will appear on the same webpage as previous version(s).

  • Revisions: Posted under the same DOI. All previous versions remain accessible via the Info/History tab.

  • New Articles: If the content has changed substantially enough to constitute a different article, it should be submitted as a new manuscript and will be assigned a new DOI.

I have changes to my Supplemental files but not the main manuscript. Do I need to submit a new version?

Yes. A new version of the LangTaoSha Preprint Server article must accompany revised supplemental files, even if the main text remains unchanged.

Can I remove a manuscript that has been posted?

No. Once posted, manuscripts are assigned a DOI, are citable, and become part of the permanent scientific record. They are indexed by services such as Google Scholar and Crossref. Accordingly, the LangTaoSha Preprint Server does not remove manuscripts.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, manuscripts may be removed for legal or safety reasons.

How do I cite LangTaoSha Preprint Server preprints?

Preprints should be cited using their Digital Object Identifier (DOI).

Format:

Author AN, Author BT. (2025). My article title. LangTaoSha Preprint Server. https://doi.org/10.65215/LTSpreprints.2025.12.29.012345

My preprint has now been published in a journal. What happens next?

Typically, no further action is required. All preprint versions remain available on the site, and the LangTaoSha Preprint Server will automatically add a link to the published version within approximately two weeks of journal publication. The author designated as the primary contact may receive an email requesting confirmation of this link.

How does LangTaoSha Preprint Server address concerns about non-peer-reviewed content?

All submissions undergo a multi-step screening process to identify non-scientific content or material that could pose risks to public safety. Every posted preprint is accompanied by a prominent notice stating that the content has not been certified by peer review, and PDF files are stamped accordingly.

What features will the LangTaoSha Preprint Server develop in the future?

Currently, "LangTaoSha" provides core functions such as preprint submission, browsing, and downloading. Over time, the platform may be incrementally enhanced to better support the research lifecycle, while maintaining respect for academic judgment and established research evaluation practices. Potential developments include improvements to screening workflows, search and discovery functions, AI-assisted article optimization and author academic profile pages. The long-term goal is to facilitate efficient and responsible dissemination of scientific knowledge.