How do you cite a reference to a book when there is no author or editor?
This page reflects guidance from the sixth edition of the Publication Manual.
Example (print version):
Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (11th ed.). (2005). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.
- Place the title in the author position.
- Alphabetize books with no author or editor by the first significant word in the title (Merriam in this case).
- In text, use a few words of the title, or the whole title if it is short, in place of an author name in the citation: (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 2005).
Example (electronic version):
Heuristic. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (11th ed.). Retrieved from http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/heuristic
- If the online version refers to a print edition, include the edition number after the title.
(adapted from the sixth edition of the APA Publication Manual, © 2010)
7th Edition Publication Manual
Available in multiple formats