It happened that I am asked to review a paper for a journal. Incidentally, the paper is posted as a preprint in another database as open access with DOI. It is completely citable.
Now, should I reject the paper or should I review the paper and send comments? Is it ethical to submit a paper after its preprint is published in another database??
It is not unethical and also not uncommon. But journals can set their own policies. Moreover, your review could lead to a published version with significant revisions. I'd consult the editor.
The mistake has been already done by the Journal authority. If a paper is already available with DOI and in preliminary check the paper is not extended version or revised version than the previous, its a big error. DOI mainly helps in location of file. Many times a paper unpublished but with DOI is also present at ORCID, Researchgate or Kudo or SSRN. It was responsibility of author related to submission that a paper with DOI shared is not submitted to any journal after few months or years unless and untill it is extended or elaborated. Now, here as the reviewer has highlighted this issue, there is no meaning to review this paper as it has been already made public and might have been quoted. The preliminary check department of Journal should have taken care of it. The journal should also take disciplinary action over the authors if it is similar to the DOI version paper.
Posting a paper as a preprint with a DOI does not generally preclude it from being reviewed and accepted by a peer-reviewed journal. Most reputable journals allow for the submission of manuscripts that have been previously shared as preprints, acknowledging their role in the rapid dissemination of research. Always check the specific policies of the target journal to ensure compliance and smooth processing of your manuscript.
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