Should you reference quotes?

Cate · Mar 7, 2007

I am currently working on a book for publication with a writing partner and we have a technical question...

We have used quotations as the opening piece to the essays written...do we need to reference these somehow, or is it enough to credit the source of the quotation? (The person who said it..)

Hope this is in the right spot!

Help!

Jamesaritchie · Mar 7, 2007

Cate said:
I am currently working on a book for publication with a writing partner and we have a technical question...

We have used quotations as the opening piece to the essays written...do we need to reference these somehow, or is it enough to credit the source of the quotation? (The person who said it..)

Hope this is in the right spot!

Help!

It's usually enough to credit the source, but first double check to make certain the quotation is correct. Many books quote incorrectly, and this can cause problems when you credit them.

Cate · Mar 7, 2007

Thanks so much! I appreciate the information.

One more question...is there a definitive source to check the accuracy, or what would you (or anyone else) suggest in terms of making certain?

blacbird · Mar 7, 2007

Cate said:
Thanks so much! I appreciate the information.

One more question...is there a definitive source to check the accuracy, or what would you (or anyone else) suggest in terms of making certain?

Where are you getting these quotes? If you can't find the original source, and are relying on some second-hand material, I'd be hesitant to use them. Academic standards would definitely rule out second-hand sources, and while your work isn't for an academic audience, I assume, you should still be concerned about accuracy.

caw

Cate · Mar 7, 2007

The quotes come from a variety of books on quotes. I belieive a couple of them may have come from online sources, although I am not sure what sites. (I was not the only one compiling the quotes.) Does that help?

These are not quotes from interview sources, they are quotations--such as Einstein, etc., but some are more modern than others....

Naturally I am concerned about accuracy. I was wondering what the best way to check the accuracy of this type of quotation would be. I'm sure it would vary depending on how old/established the quote is, but it would be great if there was an "accepted" resource for this type of thing that I could start with....

Any ideas on that?

KCH · Mar 7, 2007

Cate,

I concur with the advice to make absolutely sure of your sources. The internet replicates errors at the speed of light.

For tracking these things down: If the person being quoted is alive, you can try tracking him down and verifying the quote. If the person is an historical figure, there's usually a society or library devoted to that person's life and writings. They're very helpful. Also, check with a real live reference librarian, who can often point you to places you might not have thought of, and has access to reference materials unavailable on the net.

KCH · Mar 7, 2007

You say that some of the quotes come from quote compilations. Check their citations, usually in the back of the book. A good citation lists where the quote originated, i.e. speech before the House of Lords on April 11, 1944, or "as quoted in the New York Times, April 11, 1944, page A3" etc

I would not use quotes for which you only have internet sourcing--unless it's the Smithsonian magazine or something of similar stature.

Cate · Mar 7, 2007

Thanks KCH! That is a great idea....

I do get it about the online ones, and think I can track those down on paper. The librarian is a good idea--seems I barely leave the house these days!

Should you reference quotes?

Cate

Never Bored

Jamesaritchie

Cate

Never Bored

blacbird

Cate

Never Bored

KCH

KCH

Cate

Never Bored