What to Write in APA If No Author
In academic writing, the American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used for formatting research papers. One common challenge that researchers face is what to write in APA if no author is listed for a source. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to handle such situations and adhere to APA guidelines.
1. Start with the Title
When there is no author listed for a source, it is essential to start the citation with the title of the work. Ensure that the title is written in title case, with the first letter of each major word capitalized. For example:
“Title of the Work (n.d.)”
2. Include the Publication Date
If the publication date is available, include it in parentheses after the title. If the date is unknown, use “n.d.” (for “no date”) to indicate that the information is not available. For example:
“Title of the Work (2005)”
or
“Title of the Work (n.d.)”
3. Specify the Source Type
Next, indicate the type of source you are citing. This can be a book, journal article, website, or any other relevant source. Use the appropriate APA format for each source type. For example:
“Title of the Work (2005). Book Title”
or
“Title of the Work (n.d.). Website Title”
4. Add the Publisher or Website
For books, include the publisher’s name after the title. For online sources, provide the website name or URL. If the publisher or website is not available, omit this information. For example:
“Title of the Work (2005). Book Title: Publisher”
or
“Title of the Work (n.d.). Website Title: www.website.com”
5. Follow with Page Numbers or Access Date
For print sources, include the page numbers where the cited information is found. For online sources, provide the access date, which is the date you accessed the information. For example:
“Title of the Work (2005). Book Title: Publisher, 10-15.”
or
“Title of the Work (n.d.). Website Title: www.website.com. Accessed on January 1, 2022.”
6. Use a Parenthetical Citation
In the body of your text, use a parenthetical citation to reference the source. Include the author’s name, if available, followed by the publication date and page numbers or access date. For example:
“(Title of the Work, 2005, 10-15)”
or
“(Title of the Work, n.d.)”
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite sources in APA format even when no author is listed. Always remember to double-check the specific requirements of your institution or publication to ensure you are adhering to the latest APA guidelines.
