Basic Format:
* [Author's Last Name], [Author's First Name (and Middle Initial if applicable)]
* Example: Smith, John D.
For Multiple Authors:
* [First Author's Last Name], [First Author's First Name (and Middle Initial)], [Second Author's Last Name], [Second Author's First Name (and Middle Initial)], etc.
* Example: Brown, Alice, Jones, David, & Williams, Emily
Using "et al." for Many Authors:
* If a book has more than three authors, you can use "et al." (which means "and others") after the first author's name.
* Example: Garcia, Maria, et al.
Formatting for Academic Papers:
* Follow the style guide of the specific journal or publication you're writing for. Some common styles include:
* MLA: Use the author's full name in the text.
* APA: Use the author's last name and year of publication in the text.
* Chicago: Use footnotes or endnotes for citations.
Example Citation (MLA Style):
* In the text: (Smith 25)
* At the end of the paper:
* Smith, John D. *The History of the American Dream.* Penguin Books, 2020.
General Tips:
* Consistency: Use the same style of author citation throughout your paper or project.
* Punctuation: Pay attention to correct punctuation when listing multiple authors.
* Clarity: The format should be clear and easy to understand.
Let me know if you have any more questions about how to cite authors or specific styles.