What to Put When No Author Is Cited in APA Format
When citing a source in APA format, it is common to include the author’s name as part of the citation. However, there are instances where no author is listed for a particular source. In such cases, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines to ensure your citation is accurate and complete. This article will discuss what to put when no author is cited in APA format.
1. Start with the Title
When no author is listed, the title of the source should be placed first in the citation. Make sure to capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, including any subtitle. For example:
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities”
2. Include the Publication Date
Next, include the publication date of the source. If the source is a book, article, or other type of publication, use the year of publication. For online sources, include the year the content was published or last updated. For example:
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (2019)”
3. Add the Source Type
After the publication date, include the source type. This indicates the format of the source, such as a book, journal article, or website. For example:
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (Book)”
4. Specify the Publisher or Website
For books, include the name of the publisher after the title. For online sources, include the name of the website or platform where the content is hosted. For example:
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (Book). Publisher Name”
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (Website). Website Name”
5. Add Page Numbers (if applicable)
If the source is a book or journal article, include the page numbers where the relevant information is found. For online sources, you can include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) to direct readers to the specific content. For example:
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (Book). Publisher Name, pp. 50-75”
– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (Website). Website Name. Retrieved from www.example.com”
6. Follow the In-text Citation Format
When citing the source in your text, use the appropriate in-text citation format. For example:
– (Smith, 2019)
– (Climate Change, 2019)
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA citation is complete and accurate, even when no author is listed. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your institution or publication to ensure compliance with their citation style.
