How to Do an APA Citation with No Author
In academic writing, citing sources is a crucial aspect that helps maintain integrity and gives credit to the original authors. When citing a source in APA format, the author’s name is typically included in the citation. However, there are instances where a source may not have an author. This article will guide you on how to do an APA citation with no author, ensuring that your citation is accurate and compliant with the APA guidelines.
1. Start with the Title
When citing a source with no author, the title of the work should be placed in italics and followed by a period. For example:
Title of the Work.
2. Include the Publication Date
Next, include the publication date of the source. If the date is known, write it in parentheses after the title. If the date is not available, you can use the word “n.d.” (for “no date”) in parentheses. For example:
Title of the Work. (Year of Publication)
3. Specify the Source Type
APA format requires you to specify the source type in the citation. Common source types include book, journal article, website, and others. Use the appropriate abbreviation for the source type. For example:
Title of the Work. (Year of Publication). Source Type.
4. Add the Publisher or Website
If the source is a book, include the publisher’s name after the source type. For example:
Title of the Work. (Year of Publication). Publisher.
For online sources, include the website’s name after the source type. For example:
Title of the Work. (Year of Publication). Website Name.
5. Provide the URL or DOI
For online sources, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) in the citation. This information helps readers locate the source. For example:
Title of the Work. (Year of Publication). Website Name. Retrieved from URL or DOI.
6. Format the In-text Citation
When citing the source in the text, use the author’s initials (if available) followed by the year of publication. If the author’s initials are not available, just use the year. For example:
(Initials. Year)
7. Reference List Entry
In the reference list, include the full citation with all the necessary information. For example:
Title of the Work. (Year of Publication). Publisher.
By following these steps, you can create an APA citation with no author that is accurate and compliant with the APA guidelines. Remember to always double-check your citations for accuracy and consult the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual for any updates or changes to the format.
