allow user to create a draft post but not publish wordpress

Question

Im currently using User Role editor to modify permission for the user role. I'd like to be able to restrict the role from publishing a post. They can save the draft but they should not be able to publish. Is there a better way to do it?

Answer 1

Give the user the edit_posts capability but not the publish_posts capability.

Answer 2

Use wp_insert_post_data filter. Then check the user role. If user have specific role set-up post status. ( I don't test below script)

add_filter( 'wp_insert_post_data', 'filter_handler', '99');

function filter_handler( $data ) {
    $user = wp_get_current_user();
    $userRole = $user->roles ? $user->roles[0] : false;

    if ( $userRole === 'author') {
        $data['post_status'] = 'pending';
    }

    return $data;
}