Tooting Your Own Horn (But Referencing It Properly): How to Cite Yourself in Chicago Style
Ah, the glorious act of self-citation. You've poured your heart and soul (and probably a few cups of lukewarm coffee) into a brilliant piece of work. Now it's time for the world to bask in its magnificence. But wait! There's a pesky little hurdle to jump before you unleash your masterpiece: referencing yourself in Chicago style.
Fear not, fellow scholars of self-promotion! This guide will have you citing yourself like a pro, smoother than a jazz flute solo (okay, maybe a slightly less niche metaphor, but you get the idea).
Why Cite Yourself, Anyway?
Isn't that a bit...conceited?
Not at all! Citing yourself demonstrates your research prowess and establishes you as an authority on the topic. Plus, it shows you're well-versed in the art of, well, referencing (which, let's face it, is half the battle in academia).
Think of it like building your own reference empire. A glorious kingdom of knowledge, ruled by...you! Just try not to get a complex about it.
Alright, Alright, How Do I Do It?
Here's the lowdown:
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In-text citations: Channel your inner Gandalf and simply say, "As I noted in a previous work..." (Yes, you can quote yourself, it's not illegal...yet). Follow it up with a parenthetical note containing your last name, year, and optionally, the specific page number (if you're feeling fancy).
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Footnotes: If you're going the footnote route, (because who doesn't love a good footnote frenzy?), it's pretty similar to the in-text citation. Just add a bit more information (don't worry, it's not a novel). Here's an example:
- Your Last Name, First Name. "Title of Your Previous Work" (Type of Work, University [if applicable], Year), page number (optional).
For Example:
- Bard (that's me!). "The History of the Humble Spork" (Essay, Bard University, 2024), 12.
Remember: Don't go overboard with self-citation. It's like adding too much sriracha to your ramen - delicious at first, but overwhelming in the long run.
Pro Tips for the Self-Citing Superstar
- Make sure your previous work is relevant. Don't cite your amazing haiku collection when writing a research paper on astrophysics (unless you can somehow make a compelling connection, then by all means, go for it).
- Avoid redundancy. If your point has already been made abundantly clear in your previous work, there's no need to beat a dead reference horse.
Finally, and most importantly:
- Maintain your humility. Citing yourself is about establishing your expertise, not building a monument to your ego (although a small, tasteful bust wouldn't hurt, right?)
So there you have it! With these tips in mind, you'll be citing yourself like a champ in no time. Now go forth and conquer the academic world, one well-referenced self-citation at a time!
