Hi Dee,

In APA Style, the rule is to list all different types of sources together in the reference list, alphabetized by author name. There’s no mention in the APA manual of dividing the sources into categories, so you can assume doing so would be incorrect in APA Style.

I’m assuming you simply put everything in alphabetical order. But could they also separate website sources and put them in alphabetical order, separate from the alphabetised authored sources?

I can’t seem to find info online. Will continue searching but in the meantime I thought to ask you. Thanks

Hi Sean,

You’re right, the format is indeed “n.d.-a” and “in press-a”; make sure that the identifying letters are included in both the reference entries and the in-text citations.

Just a quick question, how should I denote multiple works from the same author with no date?

Taking the example from another user,

Smith, A.B. (n.d.) Interesting Question.

Smith, A.B. (n.d.) Citing sources.

I’m thinking it would be n.d.-a and n.d.-b, is that right? Similarly for works that are in press (e.g. in press-a and inpress-b). Thanks!

Hi Lea,

To avoid ambiguity, it’s best to use one name consistently for each author, even when their name varies slightly in their publications. APA suggests that you “consult other works that cite that author, bibliographic database records, or the author’s website or curriculum vitae (CV) to determine the appropriate format. … Follow the most common presentation if any ambiguity remains.” This assumes you’re sure that the two authors here are the same person—ideally you should find that out, and if it’s really not clear, assume they’re two separate people.

If these were two separate authors, the order would be Jones, A. (1965); Jones, A. B. (1964).

Jones, A. B. (1964)
Jones, A. (1965)

Should it be:

Jones, A. (1965)
Jones, A. B. (1964)

Hi Mila,

APA usually recommends transliterating (spelling with the Roman alphabet) source titles that are from a language with a different alphabet. This way, they can be alphabetized normally.

If you don’t transliterate the source, though, APA recommends using your own judgment about where to place it. A common approach would be to just include sources written in a different alphabet at the end of your list.

Hi David,

Good question! You should place the articles in chronological order—so, the May one first, then June. And yes, indeed, make sure to add the “a” and “b.”

Which would come first?

Smith, A.B. (2012, May 1) Interesting Question.

Smith, A.B. (2012, June 1) Citing sources.

Once ordered I would add the ‘a’ and ‘b’ after the year for in-text citations.