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3 weeks ago in Scholarly Etiquette By Ramesh

Is it acceptable to cite my own unpublished thesis or preprint in a journal submission, or does it look self-aggrandizing or unprofessional?

My journal article builds directly on chapters from my unpublished PhD dissertation. I need to cite that foundational work to explain my methods. However, I've heard some reviewers frown on self-citation, especially of unpublished material. What's the proper way to handle this?

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Matt Answered 3 weeks ago

It is not only acceptable but often necessary to cite your own thesis when it is the direct source of methods or data, as failing to do so could be seen as poor scholarship. The key is in the framing. In the manuscript, cite it as you would any other source (e.g., "Y. Surname, PhD dissertation, University Name, Year"). In the cover letter to the editor, you can add a brief, matter-of-fact note: "For full transparency, this work develops findings first presented in my doctoral dissertation, which is cited where relevant." This preempts reviewer concern. The etiquette lies in ensuring the citation is strictly functional—to provide methodological provenance—not promotional. Avoid phrases like "as I previously demonstrated" and instead use neutral language: "as described in [Reference]." This balances integrity with humility.

Replied 3 weeks ago

By Ramesh

Thank you Matt!

By Sylvia Answered 2 weeks ago

From my experience as both an author and a reviewer, citing your own thesis or preprint is completely acceptable when it genuinely underpins the submitted work. What raises concerns is not self-citation itself, but excessive or unnecessary self-referencing. If the thesis contains foundational data, extended proofs, or methodological details that are not reproduced in full in the article, then citing it is academically responsible.

I would suggest treating it exactly as you would any other source: include it in the reference list without emphasis and avoid drawing attention to authorship in the prose. In peer review, clarity and traceability of ideas matter far more than modesty signals. If the citation is relevant and proportionate, it will not appear self-aggrandizing — it will look thorough.

Replied 2 weeks ago

By Ramesh

Thank you very much Sylvia!

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