How to Cite a Manuscript

Unpublished manuscripts, letters, and archival materials.

What You'll Need

Manuscript Title
Author(s)
Date Created
Manuscript Type
Archive/Collection
Call Number/Collection ID
Location
URL

Record the archive or repository name, collection title, and any box/folder numbers. Note whether the manuscript is published or unpublished.

Example Citations

APA
Jefferson, T. (1785). Letter to John Adams [Letter]. Library of Congress.
In-text (Jefferson, 1785)
MLA Handbook (in-text citations)
Jefferson, Thomas. “Letter to John Adams”. Letter. Paris, 25 Sept. 1785. Library of Congress.
In-text (Jefferson)
CMOS 17e with Bluebook (notes and bibliography [14.19])
Jefferson, Thomas. “Letter to John Adams”. Letter. Paris, September 25, 1785. Library of Congress.
Footnote Thomas Jefferson, “Letter to John Adams”, Letter, Paris, September 25, 1785, Library of Congress.

Other Source Types

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Article Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication