Authors should work with the publisher before rights are transferred to ensure that all conditions of the NIH Public Access Policy can be met. Authors should avoid signing agreements with publishers that do not allow the author to comply with the NIH Public Access Policy.

• When you submit your manuscript, tell the publisher that your article is subject to the NIH Public Access Policy. Many publishers have mechanisms in place to facilitate author compliance with NIH Public Access Policy. 

Additional Resources

• Publisher Policies on NIH-funded Authors from Simmons University 
• UW Libraries: Copyright Introduction
• SHERPA/RoMEO database - search to find permissions that are normally given as part of each publisher's copyright transfer agreement; can search specifically for mention of NIH Public Access Policy.
• NIH Points to Consider Before Signing a Publication or Copyright Transfer Agreement