Trends in preprints and business models for preprint services

Abstract

Preprints have been gathering a growing interest, and various preprint services with diverse business models have started accepting preprints. This article analyzes the trend of preprints using a literature database and investigates the business models of preprint services by type of organizers. As a result of the analysis, the number of preprint submissions has been growing year by year, especially since 2016, and has been increasing rapidly. Running a preprint service requires a reasonable cost, and securing a sustainable operating base is an issue. For accepting the ever-increasing number of new submissions and provide a stable service to users, each preprint service requires a more stable operational base.