Cite a Chapter in an Edited Book in APA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 03/07/2024

Citing sources correctly is crucial in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. When citing a chapter from an edited book in the APA style, there are specific guidelines to follow. This article breaks down the steps to create a proper citation, accompanied by examples for better understanding.

CITATION ELEMENTS OF CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK 

To cite a chapter from an edited book in APA style, include the following elements:

• Chapter Author(s): Start by mentioning the people or organizations involved in putting together the edited book. Include their names or group/organization names as needed.
• Year of Publication: Enclose the year of publication in round brackets.
• Chapter Title: Provide the title of the chapter.
• In: This preposition introduces the editors of the book.
• Editor(s) of the Book: List the editors’ initials followed by their surnames. If there are multiple editors, separate their names with commas. Use “(Ed.)” for a single editor and “(Eds.)” for multiple editors.
• Title of Book: Italicize the title of the book.
• Edition, Volume, and Page Extent: If applicable, include the edition number, volume number, and page numbers of the chapter within the book in round brackets.
• Publisher: Mention the publisher(s) of the book. If there are multiple publishers, separate them with a semicolon.
• DOI (Digital Object Identifier): If a DOI is available, include it with the prefix “https://doi.org/” followed by the DOI.

Be Consistent with Author Names: When citing sources with multiple authors, ensure consistency in how you present their names throughout your paper. Use the same format for each author in all citations to maintain clarity and avoid confusion. Consistency in author names helps readers easily identify and trace the sources you’ve referenced, contributing to the overall coherence of your paper. Include Page Numbers: When you’re quoting directly from a source in APA format, always mention the page number(s) in your citation. This helps readers find the exact spot you’re talking about in the source. If the source has pages, give the page number(s). But for online sources without pages, use other clues like paragraph numbers or section headings. Utilize Citation Tools: To streamline the citation process and reduce the likelihood of errors, consider using citation management tools. These tools can automatically generate citations in APA format based on the information you provide, saving you time and ensuring accuracy. However, always review the generated citations to confirm they adhere to APA style and make any necessary adjustments.

EXAMPLE OF CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK 

This example illustrates how to cite a chapter authored by multiple authors, edited by multiple editors, and part of a specific edition and volume of the book. The inclusion of the DOI provides a direct link to the online version of the chapter, if available.