Citing e-mail communications from individuals

E-mail communications from individuals should be cited as personal communications.

The format in text (personal communications are not cited in the reference list) is as follows:

L. A. Chafez (personal communication, March 28, 1997)

(V.-G. Nguyen, personal communication, September 28, 1998)

It is possible to send an e-mail note disguised as someone else. Authors—not journal editors or copy editors—are responsible for the accuracy of all references, which includes verifying the source of e-mail communications before citing them as personal communications in manuscripts.

(adapted from the fifth edition of APA's Publication Manual, © 2001)

Removing Bias in Language
Disabilities
Race & Ethnicity
Sexuality

Electronic Media
Electronic Media and URLs
Electronic Media Spelling Guide

Authorship Aids
Ethics of Publication
Determining Authorship: Students

Back to Main Tips Page