Citing Yourself: A How-To Guide for the Egotistical Scholar
So, you've written a masterpiece. It's brilliant, groundbreaking, and you're pretty sure it's going to change the world. Or at least, your professor's opinion of you. Now, you need to cite it. Gasp! Citing yourself? Isn't that a bit...narcissistic? Well, in the world of academia, it's actually quite common. And necessary. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of self-citation.
The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn (Respectfully)
First things first, let's get one thing straight: citing yourself isn't about bragging. It's about showcasing your intellectual prowess and contributing to the body of knowledge. Think of it as a subtle flex, but in a really smart way.
Chicago Style: A Quick Refresher
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of self-citation, let's do a quick recap of Chicago style. There are two main formats:
- Notes and Bibliography: This is the classic Chicago style, where you use footnotes or endnotes to cite your sources, and then list them alphabetically in a bibliography at the end.
- Author-Date: This is a newer style, where you include the author's last name and publication date in parentheses in the text, and then list the full citation in a reference list at the end.
Citing Yourself Like a Pro
Now, let's talk about you, the brilliant author. How do you cite yourself in this glorious format? Well, it's actually pretty straightforward.
- In-text Citation: Treat yourself like any other author. Use your last name, the publication year, and optionally, the page number.
- Example: (Smith 2023, p. 42)
- Footnote/Endnote: Provide the full citation, just like you would for any other source.
- Example: 1. John Smith, "The Greatest Paper Ever Written," Journal of Self-Importance 12, no. 3 (2023): 42-78.
Bibliography/Reference List: The Grand Finale
Your magnum opus deserves a prime spot in your bibliography or reference list. Follow the standard Chicago format for the type of work you've created (book, article, etc.).
How to Avoid Looking Like a Total Narcissist
- Be Selective: Don't cite yourself for every little thing. Choose the most relevant works.
- Use Third Person: Referring to yourself in the third person can add a touch of academic detachment.
- Don't Overdo It: Balance self-citation with citations of other scholars.
How-To FAQs
- How to cite yourself in a footnote: Treat yourself like any other author. Include your name, title of the work, publication details, and page number.
- How to cite your own unpublished work: Use the format for unpublished manuscripts. Include your name, title, and date.
- How to cite a self-published work: You can cite self-published works, but be aware that they might not be as highly regarded as peer-reviewed publications.
- How to cite a presentation you gave: Include your name, title of the presentation, the conference or event where it was presented, and the date.
- How to cite a website you created: Include your name, website title, URL, and access date.
There you have it! You're now equipped to cite yourself like a pro. Remember, confidence is key, but humility is also appreciated. Happy citing!
