How to Cite a Book with Three Authors APA
Citing a book with three authors in APA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, following the proper guidelines can help ensure that your citation is accurate and meets the requirements of your academic institution. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite a book with three authors in APA format.
1. Start with the Author’s Last Name, Followed by First Initials
The first step in citing a book with three authors in APA format is to list the authors’ names. Begin with the last name of the first author, followed by their first initial. Then, list the last name and first initial of the second author. Finally, list the last name and first initial of the third author. Separate the authors’ names with commas.
Example: Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. E.
2. Include the Year of Publication
After listing the authors’ names, include the year of publication in parentheses. Place a period after the closing parenthesis.
Example: Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. E. (2020).
3. Provide the Book Title
Next, write the title of the book in italics. Capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions.
Example: Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. E. (2020). Understanding the Mind
4. Specify the Edition (if applicable)
If the book is an edition other than the first, include the edition number in parentheses after the title. Write “Ed.” before the edition number.
Example: Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. E. (2020). Understanding the Mind (3rd ed.).
5. Include Publisher Information
After the title, include the publisher’s name. Place a comma after the publisher’s name.
Example: Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. E. (2020). Understanding the Mind (3rd ed.), New York: Pearson.
6. Add Page Numbers for Direct Quotations or References
If you are citing a specific page or pages from the book, include the page numbers in parentheses after the publisher information. Separate the page numbers with a hyphen.
Example: Smith, J. A., Johnson, B. C., & Lee, D. E. (2020). Understanding the Mind (3rd ed.), New York: Pearson. (p. 45-56).
By following these steps, you can effectively cite a book with three authors in APA format. Remember to always double-check your citation for accuracy and consult your academic institution’s guidelines for any additional requirements.
