When it comes to citing books in APA style, it can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, with the right guidance, citing a book in APA style can be a straightforward process. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite a book in APA style, including examples and tips to help you master the citation process.
APA Book Citation Basics
In APA style, a book citation typically includes the author’s last name, first initial, publication year, book title, publisher, and publication location. The format may vary depending on the type of book, such as a single-author book, a multi-author book, or an edited book. It is essential to consult the APA Publication Manual or online resources for the most up-to-date guidelines on citing books in APA style.
Single-Author Book Citation
A single-author book citation in APA style typically follows this format: Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher. For example:
Smith, J. (2020). The history of psychology. Routledge.
Multi-Author Book Citation
A multi-author book citation in APA style typically follows this format: Author’s Last Name, First Initial, & Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher. For example:
Smith, J., & Johnson, K. (2020). The psychology of learning. Routledge.
If there are more than two authors, separate their names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, K., & Thompson, R. (2020). The psychology of learning. Routledge.
Edited Book Citation
An edited book citation in APA style typically follows this format: Editor’s Last Name, First Initial (Ed.). (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher. For example:
Johnson, K. (Ed.). (2020). The psychology of motivation. Routledge.
| Book Type | Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Single-Author Book | Author's Last Name, First Initial (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher. |
| Multi-Author Book | Author's Last Name, First Initial, & Author's Last Name, First Initial (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher. |
| Edited Book | Editor's Last Name, First Initial (Ed.). (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher. |
APA Book Citation Examples
Here are some examples of APA book citations for different types of books:
Book with a single author:
Smith, J. (2020). The history of psychology. Routledge.
Book with multiple authors:
Smith, J., Johnson, K., & Thompson, R. (2020). The psychology of learning. Routledge.
Edited book:
Johnson, K. (Ed.). (2020). The psychology of motivation. Routledge.
Book with a translator:
Smith, J. (2020). The history of psychology (K. Johnson, Trans.). Routledge.
APA Book Citation Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when citing a book in APA style:
- Always include the publication year, even if the book is a reprint or a new edition.
- Use title case for the book title, capitalizing the first word and any proper nouns.
- Include the publisher's name, but not the location, unless the book is published by a university press.
- Use the DOI (digital object identifier) if it is available.
What is the APA style for citing a book with a single author?
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The APA style for citing a book with a single author is: Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher.
How do I cite a book with multiple authors in APA style?
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To cite a book with multiple authors in APA style, separate the authors’ names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. The format is: Author’s Last Name, First Initial, & Author’s Last Name, First Initial (Year of Publication). Title of the book. Publisher.
What is the DOI, and how do I include it in my APA book citation?
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The DOI (digital object identifier) is a unique identifier assigned to a digital publication. To include the DOI in your APA book citation, add it at the end of the citation, preceded by “doi:”. For example: Smith, J. (2020). The history of psychology. Routledge. doi: 10.1037⁄0000123
