How to Write a Citation Without an Author
Writing a citation without an author can be a bit tricky, but it’s a common situation that arises in academic writing. Whether it’s because the author’s name is not available or the source is an anonymous work, it’s important to still provide accurate and comprehensive information about the source. In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing a citation without an author, ensuring that your reference list is both informative and consistent.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics of writing a citation without an author, it’s essential to understand the basic structure of a citation. Typically, a citation includes the author’s name, the title of the source, the publication date, and the publication information. When an author is not available, you’ll need to focus on other elements of the source to create a complete citation.
Using the Title
One of the most important elements to include in a citation without an author is the title of the source. The title should be placed in quotation marks, followed by a period. This helps to distinguish the title from the rest of the citation.
Example:
“Title of the Source.”
Adding the Publication Date
If the publication date is available, include it after the title, separated by a comma. If the date is not available, simply omit it from the citation.
Example:
“Title of the Source, (Publication Date).”
Providing Publication Information
The next step is to include the publication information, such as the publisher, volume, issue number, and page numbers. This information is crucial for identifying the source and should be included even if the author is not available.
Example:
“Title of the Source, (Publication Date), Volume (Issue), Pages.”
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source without an author in the text, use a shortened form of the title in parentheses, followed by the page number(s). Ensure that the shortened title is written in lowercase letters and is not underlined or italicized.
Example:
“(Title of the Source 23)”
Creating a Reference List Entry
Finally, when compiling your reference list, follow the appropriate citation style guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to format the entry without an author. Typically, the reference list entry will include the title, publication date, publication information, and source type.
Example (APA):
“Title of the Source.” (Publication Date). Publisher. Volume (Issue), Pages.
Example (MLA):
“Title of the Source.” Publication Date. Publisher. Volume (Issue), Pages.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to write a citation without an author that is both accurate and informative. Remember to always check the specific citation style guidelines for your field to ensure consistency and correctness in your references.
