Guidelines for Citing an Unpublished Manuscript in Academic Writing

How to Cite a Manuscript in Preparation

Citing a manuscript in preparation can be a bit tricky, especially when the manuscript has not yet been published. However, it is essential to give proper credit to the authors and to provide readers with the necessary information to locate the manuscript once it is published. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to cite a manuscript in preparation, including the format and style guidelines to follow.

Understanding the Purpose of Citing a Manuscript in Preparation

Citing a manuscript in preparation serves several purposes. Firstly, it acknowledges the authors’ contribution to the field by recognizing their work even before it is officially published. Secondly, it allows readers to keep track of ongoing research and to understand the context of the manuscript. Lastly, it ensures that the authors receive proper credit for their work, which is crucial for their academic and professional development.

Formatting a Citation for a Manuscript in Preparation

When citing a manuscript in preparation, it is important to follow the appropriate citation style. The most commonly used styles include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. Here are the general guidelines for each style:

APA Style

In APA style, a manuscript in preparation is cited as follows:

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of the manuscript [Unpublished manuscript]. Name of the institution or department.

Example: Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2021). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems [Unpublished manuscript]. University of Oceanography.

MLA Style

In MLA style, a manuscript in preparation is cited as follows:

Author, First Name Last Name. “Title of the Manuscript.” Name of the Institution or Department, Year. Unpublished manuscript.

Example: Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems.” University of Oceanography, 2021. Unpublished manuscript.

Chicago Style

In Chicago style, a manuscript in preparation is cited as follows:

Author, First Name Last Name. “Title of the Manuscript.” Unpublished manuscript, Name of the Institution or Department, Year.

Example: Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems.” Unpublished manuscript, University of Oceanography, 2021.

Harvard Style

In Harvard style, a manuscript in preparation is cited as follows:

Author(s). (Year). Title of the manuscript [Unpublished manuscript]. Name of the Institution or Department.

Example: Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2021). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems [Unpublished manuscript]. University of Oceanography.

Conclusion

Citing a manuscript in preparation is an important aspect of academic integrity and research transparency. By following the appropriate citation style and providing the necessary information, you can ensure that the authors receive proper credit for their work and that readers can locate the manuscript once it is published. Always refer to the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using to ensure accuracy in your citations.