A pre-print is a version of a research paper that is shared publicly before it has been peer-reviewed. It's typically uploaded to a pre-print server and allows the research community to read, comment on, and cite the work early.

A peer-reviewed paper has been evaluated and critiqued by experts in the same field before being published in a scientific journal. This is the gold standard of academic publishing.

to upload your pre-print

• Prepare your manuscript in PDF or DOCX format. Include abstract, keywords, author info, references (APA, MLA, etc.).
• Choose a preprint server like research gate
• Create an account
• Upload your manuscript:
• Wait for moderation
• Get your DOI link and share your paper with others.

See also:

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_your_understanding_of_the_term_preprint/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_a_Preprint/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/benefits_and_usage_of_preprintsorg_for_authors/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_this_research_square_doing/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is-it-always-advisable-to-upload-a-Preprint/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What-are-the-disadvantages-of-preprints-upload/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/When_is_the_appropriate_moment_to_upload_a_preprint/1

https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_Preprint_of_research_articles_safe/1