How to Write a Reference with No Author
Writing a reference with no author can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. When you come across a source that doesn’t have an author listed, it’s important to still provide enough information for readers to locate the source. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a reference with no author.
First, start with the title of the source. If the source is a book, article, or report, include the title in italics. For example:
Title of the Source
Next, include the publication information. This typically includes the publisher, city of publication, and year of publication. If the source is an online article, include the website name and the URL. For example:
Title of the Source (Year). Publisher, City of Publication. URL
If the source is a book, article, or report, you may also need to include the edition, volume, issue, and page numbers. For example:
Title of the Source (2nd ed.). Publisher, City of Publication, Year, pp. 1-10.
Now, let’s address the issue of the author. Since there is no author listed, you can simply omit the author’s name and begin the reference with the title. However, if the source is a personal communication (such as an email or interview), you should still include the author’s name, even if it’s not listed in the source. For example:
Title of the Source (Year). Author Name, Personal Communication.
Finally, don’t forget to include the medium of the source. For example, if it’s a book, article, or report, you would use “Book,” “Article,” or “Report,” respectively. If it’s an online source, you would use “Webpage.”
Here’s an example of a reference with no author:
Title of the Source (Year). Publisher, City of Publication. URL
Remember, when writing a reference with no author, it’s crucial to provide as much information as possible to help readers locate the source. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to create a clear and accurate reference, even when the author is not listed.
