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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 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

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your preprint.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the Chicago (17th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your bibliography: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match Chicago requirements.

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Cite a Preprint in Other Styles

Preprint in APAPreprint in MLAPreprint in HarvardPreprint in VancouverPreprint in IEEEPreprint in AMAPreprint in TurabianPreprint in CSEPreprint in BibTeXPreprint in NaturePreprint in ACSPreprint in OSCOLAPreprint in BluebookPreprint in AGLCPreprint in ASAPreprint in APSAPreprint in AAAPreprint in NLMPreprint in ACMPreprint in APSPreprint in AIPPreprint in CellPreprint in SciencePreprint in PLOSPreprint in BMJPreprint in LancetPreprint in JAMAPreprint in Elsevier HarvardPreprint in Springer

Cite Other Sources in Chicago

Website in ChicagoBook in ChicagoJournal Article in ChicagoYouTube Video in ChicagoPodcast in ChicagoNewspaper Article in ChicagoMagazine Article in ChicagoBlog Post in ChicagoWikipedia in ChicagoPDF in ChicagoInterview in ChicagoSocial Media Post in ChicagoGovernment Document in ChicagoDissertation or Thesis in ChicagoConference Paper in ChicagoLecture or PowerPoint in ChicagoWebinar in ChicagoImage or Photograph in ChicagoMovie or Film in ChicagoDocumentary in ChicagoTV Show in ChicagoSong or Music in ChicagoPoem in ChicagoCourt Case in ChicagoPatent in ChicagoEncyclopedia Entry in ChicagoDictionary Entry in ChicagoDataset in ChicagoSoftware or App in ChicagoVideo Game in ChicagoPress Release in ChicagoReport in ChicagoBook Chapter in ChicagoChatGPT in ChicagoBible in ChicagoTED Talk in ChicagoEmail in ChicagoReddit or Forum Post in ChicagoMap in Chicago

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