How to Cite Sources with No Author
In academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of the process to ensure that the reader can verify the information and to give credit to the original authors. However, sometimes the source material may not have an identifiable author. This can be due to various reasons, such as the author being anonymous, the source being a collective work, or the author’s name being omitted intentionally. In such cases, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to properly cite the source. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite sources with no author.
1. Use a shortened title in the citation
When citing a source with no author, it is common practice to use the title of the work in place of the author’s name. The title should be placed in quotation marks and followed by a period. For example:
> “Title of the Source.” (Year of Publication)
2. Include the publisher’s name
If the source is a book or a journal article, include the publisher’s name after the title. This helps to distinguish the source from others with the same title. For example:
> “Title of the Source,” published by Publisher’s Name, (Year of Publication)
3. Use a shortened title in the Works Cited list
When listing the source in the Works Cited list, use the shortened title in quotation marks, followed by the publisher’s name and the year of publication. For example:
> “Title of the Source,” Publisher’s Name, (Year of Publication).
4. Cite anonymous sources in the text
When citing an anonymous source in the text, use a shortened title in parentheses, followed by the year of publication. For example:
> According to “Title of the Source” (Year), the findings indicate…
5. Use a shortened title in the reference list
In the reference list, include the shortened title in quotation marks, followed by the publisher’s name and the year of publication. For example:
> Title of the Source. Publisher’s Name, (Year of Publication).
6. Cite online sources with no author
For online sources with no author, follow the same guidelines as mentioned above. However, include the URL in the citation to provide the reader with access to the source. For example:
> “Title of the Source.” (Year of Publication). Retrieved from [URL]
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite sources with no author in your academic writing. Remember that it is crucial to provide enough information for the reader to locate the source and to give credit to the original authors or publishers.
