How to Cite a Preprint in Chicago (17th edition)
Learn how to cite arXiv, bioRxiv, and other preprint server papers in Chicago format (17th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
Chicago Bibliography Format
Here is the standard Chicago format for citing a preprint in your bibliography:
Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Preprint." Repository Name. Preprint, submitted Month Day, Year. https://doi.org/xxxxx.
Chicago Example for a Preprint
A complete Chicago reference for a preprint, formatted by the official Chicago CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Petrov, Ivan, and Akua Osei. 2024. “Reference Accuracy in Large Language Model Output.” In arXiv, Preprint 2403.01234. March 2. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2403.01234.
Matching in-text citation: (Petrov and Osei 2024)
Chicago In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Author 2024)
Narrative
Author (2024) argues in a preprint...
Key Chicago Formatting Rules
- Put the preprint title in quotation marks.
- Label the work as a preprint: Preprint, submitted Month Day, Year.
- Name the repository and include the DOI or stable URL.
- Do not format it like a published journal article (no volume/issue).
- Notes-Bibliography: use a footnote; Author-Date: use a parenthetical.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your preprint.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.
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