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HSLIC Scholarly Communication Initiative

NIH Policy Guide

Submission Guidance: How Do I Submit My Manuscript to PubMed Central (PMC)

Publishing in a journal that has an arrangement with PMC is the easiest way to comply with the Policy.

However, there are 4 things to verify or do before you are done with the submission process:

  1. Version:  The Policy requires the publisher to submit the final, published version to PMC. The final version has been through all review and final edits and is the publisher's version of record. Verify with the journal that it allows the final version to be posted on PMC (tip: check journal website).
  2. Timing:  The Policy states the work must be available within 12 months of publication. Verify with the journal that it allows deposit in PMC within 12 months of publication (tip: check journal website).
  3. Deposit Method:  Some publishers submit the article directly to PMC but others require the author to upload the files.  To see if you need to submit the files look up your journal on PMC.  If there is a "Yes" in the "NIHPA Deposit Required" column you are required to upload the files.
  4. Approval:  All submissions must be approved through the NIH Manuscript Submission (NIHMS) system regardless of whether you or the publisher supply the file(s). You must sign in to the NIHMS system, provide award information and grant final authorization. After this step your manuscript will post to PMC at the specified time.

TIP:  Make note of the PMC or NIHMS ID reference number assigned to your article. You will need this number for NIH applications, proposals or progress reports.  Additionally, reference the PMCID number on article citations on your CV or other documents so other researchers can easily find your work.  For example:

    Varmus H, Klausner R, Zerhouni E, Acharya T, Daar A, Singer P. 2003. PUBLIC HEALTH: Grand Challenges in Global Health. Science 302(5644): 398-399. PMCID: 243493

    Zerhouni, EA. (2003) A New Vision for the National Institutes of Health. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology (3), 159-160. PMCID: 400215