1. Placement of Footnotes:
* Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page on which the corresponding reference is made. They are separated from the main text by a short horizontal line (rule).
2. Numbering Footnotes:
* Footnotes are numbered consecutively throughout the chapter or the entire book, depending on the style guide. The number is superscripted in the text. For example: "This is a quote.¹"
3. Footnote Content:
* The footnote itself contains the complete bibliographic information for the source, or at least enough to allow the reader to find it easily. This typically includes:
* For books: Author's last name, Author's first name (or initials). *Title of Book*. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication, Page number(s).
* For articles in books: Author's last name, Author's first name (or initials). "Title of Article." In *Title of Book*, edited by Editor's Name(s), Page numbers. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication, Page number(s).
* For journal articles: Author's last name, Author's first name (or initials). "Title of Article." *Name of Journal* Volume Number (Year): Page numbers.
* Subsequent Citations: If you cite the same source multiple times in a row, you may use shortened forms in subsequent footnotes. The style guide you are using will define exactly how these shortened forms look (e.g., "Ibid." or just the author's name and page number). If there's an interruption of other sources before citing the same work again, you typically need to provide the full citation again.
4. Specific Style Guide Examples:
* Chicago Style: Favors detailed footnotes, often with complete bibliographic information each time a source is cited. It emphasizes clarity and completeness.
* MLA Style: Uses a slightly more concise format for in-text citations and corresponding works cited page at the end of the work rather than footnotes. Footnotes are less frequently used in MLA style.
* APA Style: Primarily uses in-text parenthetical citations, though footnotes can be used for additional information or explanations, not direct source references.
Example (Chicago Style):
In the text: "The theory of evolution is a cornerstone of modern biology.¹"
At the bottom of the page:
¹ Charles Darwin. *On the Origin of Species*. London: John Murray, 1859, p. 32.
How to Create Footnotes:
* Word Processors: Most word processors (like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer) have built-in functionality for inserting and managing footnotes. Look for options under the "References" or "Insert" tab.
* Other Software: There are specialized typesetting programs (like LaTeX) that also facilitate footnote creation.
Before you begin footnoting your book, choose a style guide and stick to it consistently. This ensures uniformity and avoids confusion for your readers. Consult the style guide's manual for precise formatting rules.