GoKawiilXSci launches paid peer-review platform for preprints, offering reviewers up to $200
XSci, a preprint platform founded by Oxford economist Shumiao Ouyang, now pays reviewers $200 for feedback delivered within five days of accepting an assignment, or $100 within five to ten days. Authors fund the payments by paying $399 for a review round, or $249 if they make the report public, and can also pay up to $19 for AI-generated reviews. The Delaware-incorporated startup has raised roughly $500,000 from private investors and is seeking additional funding.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The model revives debate over whether paying peer reviewers could speed up the often months- or years-long review process, but researchers quoted note its success hinges on whether authors are willing to pay substantial fees for faster feedback. Skeptics such as Baylor's Daniel Gorelick question the sustainability of a system where authors effectively fund reviewer payments, which could affect who can afford rigorous, timely review.
- XSci pays reviewers $200 for five-day turnaround, $100 for five-to-ten-day turnaround
- Authors pay $399 (or $249 for public reports) to fund the human review system, plus up to $19 for AI review
- The startup has raised about $500,000 and its viability depends on authors' willingness to pay
Source: nature.com — You, 2026-11-06
Published there as: “Preprint platform offers to pay researchers to review papers, but questions remain”
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