How to Write Unknown Author in APA
Writing a paper in APA format can be challenging, especially when dealing with sources that do not provide the author’s name. In such cases, it is crucial to follow the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association (APA) to ensure proper citation. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write an unknown author in APA format.
1. Start with the Title of the Source
When citing a source with an unknown author, the title of the source should be placed first in the citation. Use quotation marks to enclose the title, and capitalize the first letter of each major word. For example:
“Title of the Source”
2. Include the Publication Date
Next, include the publication date of the source. If the date is not available, you can use “n.d.” (which stands for “no date”). For example:
“Title of the Source” (n.d.)
3. Provide the Source’s Publication Information
After the title and publication date, include the publication information for the source. This includes the publisher and, if applicable, the location of publication. For example:
“Title of the Source” (n.d.). Publisher, Location.
4. Add the Source’s Format
If the source is available in a specific format, such as a podcast, video, or website, include the format in parentheses after the publication information. For example:
“Title of the Source” (n.d.). Publisher, Location. [Podcast]
5. Cite the Source in the Text
When citing the source in the text, use the author’s name if it is known. If the author is unknown, use the title of the source instead. For example:
According to “Title of the Source” (n.d.),…
6. Include the Full Citation in the Reference List
Finally, include the full citation for the source in the reference list at the end of your paper. The format should be as follows:
Author. (Year). Title of the source. Publisher, Location.
If the author is unknown, omit the author’s name and use the title of the source instead:
“Title of the Source” (Year). Publisher, Location.
By following these steps, you can effectively cite sources with unknown authors in APA format. Remember to always double-check the guidelines provided by the APA to ensure accuracy in your citations.
