Withdrawing a Preprint
This Article Is Licensed Under CCO For Maximum Reuse.
Because preprints are part of the scholarly record, they cannot be deleted. However, preprints can be withdrawn, removing the content but leaving behind basic metadata like title, authors, and the reason for withdrawal, if the author chooses to provide it. All Withdrawal requests for moderated services are approved at the discretion of the moderation team. Withdrawal requests are for specific preprint versions, make sure you are requesting withdrawal from the appropriate version page.
NOTE: The language used in the "Reason for withdrawal" will be displayed on the withdrawal Tombstone page.
When can you withdraw or remove a preprint?
Depending on what moderated service you are submitting your preprint under you May or May not be able to Withdraw your preprint until it is accepted.
| Withdrawing a “Pending” Preprint | Withdraw an “Accepted” preprint | |
| Pre moderated preprints | Can be withdrawn until accepted | Can be withdrawn with approval from Moderators |
| Post Moderated Preprints | Can be withdrawn with approval from Moderators | Can be withdrawn with approval from Moderators |
Note: Only Administrators on a preprint can submit a withdrawal request
Note: For Pre-moderation preprints since a DOI is not issued until accpeted, withdrawals will NOT result in a tombstone page
Note: For Post-Moderation preprints since a DOI is issued immediately upon submission, a withdrawal will result in a tombstone page with basic metadata like title, authors, and the reason for withdrawal
How to request a Withdraw of a "approved" Preprint
Regardless of Pre or post-moderation, you can submit a request that a specific version of a preprint be withdrawn to the moderation team. Start by clicking the red "withdraw" button found under the title of the preprint. A pop-up window will appear. This pop-up window will provide warning information about the withdrawal procedure and prompt you for a reason for withdrawal.
Note: Please provide significant detail as to why you are withdrawing the preprint as the withdrawal reason will be locked as part of the metadata of this preprint.
Once you click withdraw you will be taken to a back to your preprint URL and your request will be reviewed by the moderation team.
How to request a removal of a "Pending" Preprint
Regardless of Pre or post-moderation, you can remove a preprint prior to it being accepted by moderators by going through the withdrawal workflow. Start by clicking the red "withdraw" button found under the title of the preprint. A pop-up window will appear. This pop-up window will provide warning information about the withdrawal procedure and prompt you for a reason for withdrawal.
Once you click withdraw you will be taken to a "page not found" URL which means your preprint has been removed.
How to withdraw a specific version of a preprint
Navigate to the specific Version you wish to Withdraw
Then select the "Withdraw" button at the top of the preprint
Enter the Reason for withdrawal, and select the "Withdraw" button.
NOTE: The Reason for Withdrawal will be displayed on the preprint tombstone page.
For ALL accepted preprints (pre-moderation OR post-moderation) withdrawal requests MUST be accepted by a moderator.
Once withdrawal request is accepted, that version of the preprint will show as Withdrawn, all other preprint versions will remain unaffected.
