How to Cite a Book in APA with Two Authors
Citing a book in APA format with two authors is an essential skill for anyone engaged in academic writing. The APA citation style, developed by the American Psychological Association, is widely used in the social sciences, education, business, and other fields. Properly citing sources not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the original source. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing a book with two authors in APA format.
Firstly, when citing a book with two authors in APA format, you should start with the authors’ last names followed by their first initials. Separate the authors’ names with a comma and a space. For example: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B.” If there are more than two authors, include the first author’s name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name.
Next, include the book title in italics. Place the title after the authors’ names, followed by a period. For example: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The Psychology of Happiness.”
After the book title, include the publication date in parentheses. Write the year of publication followed by a period. For example: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The Psychology of Happiness.”
Next, provide the publisher’s name. Follow the publication date with a period and then the publisher’s name. For example: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The Psychology of Happiness. Publisher Name.”
If the book is a translation, include the translator’s name after the title, followed by a comma and the word “trans.” Place the translator’s name in italics. For example: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The Psychology of Happiness (Trans.). Publisher Name.”
Finally, if the book is available online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL at the end of the citation. For a DOI, use the abbreviation “DOI:” followed by the DOI number. For a URL, simply include the URL in parentheses. For example:
– With DOI: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The Psychology of Happiness. Publisher Name. DOI: 10.1234/xyz123”
– With URL: “Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The Psychology of Happiness. Publisher Name. Retrieved from http://www.example.com/book”
By following these steps, you can effectively cite a book with two authors in APA format. Remember to always check the latest APA guidelines to ensure you are using the most up-to-date rules and formatting. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also enhances the credibility of your work.
