How to Reference Your Sources as a Freelance Writer
How do I reference my sources? This is a question I get from newbie writers all the time. The answer is: it depends. Referencing your sources is important, but the how to-s depend on a lot of factors.
It is always important to cite your sources, but how you use references may depend on your client and industry. Many industries like to just hyperlink their sources, but if you are in an industry that needs scientific references, you may need to list your sources at the end of the blog AP, APA, MLA, or in another style. Always ask your client unless they already have a style guide to specify everything.
How to Reference Your Sources as a Freelance Writer
Here are a few options though you may run into:
Number your sources then list them at the end of the article. In this case clients number their sources as they use them and then list their sources at the end of the article.
Many clients like a specific format (AP/APA/MLA/etc), like you see in this example.
Others simply use URLs, like in this example.
A new strategy I am seeing is using long-tail keywords or relevant sentences/words and hyperlinking the source, like in this example. Some hyperlink the numbers, some don’t. Some use these numbers as a dropdown to the source instead of a hyperlink, like you see in this example.
Only hyperlink your sources but don’t list them at the end of the article:
The most common way to source your articles is by hyperlinking your sources, like in this example.
Some clients use the same hyperlink strategy, but instead of hyperlinking relevant words or phrases, they hyperlink numbers, like in this example.
You may, of course, run into other variations. Again, it’s better to ask your clients.
One important note: no matter how you are referencing, the reference section is not included in the word count if you are charging per word or otherwise concerned about the length of the article. If you are in charge of choosing the right reference format, the length of the reference should not be the deciding factor.
Do I Need to State My Source as a Freelance Writer?
Another question you may have is whether you need to mention your source within the sentence if you are already referencing it. Again, it depends on your industry, your clients preferences, and your personal choice. You may even mix it up. Here are some options:
Referencing Statistics as a Freelance Writer
If you are referencing statistics, it’s usually best to mention your source clearly. However, it may also be acceptable to mention the statistics and only reference your source without naming them. Whatever option you choose, always reference your source using one of the strategies we talked about earlier (hyperlinking, numbers etc). Here are your options for referencing statistics:
Clearly stating your source and referencing them: “According to the American Cancer Society gastric cancer accounts for 1.5% of all new cancer diagnoses in the US (1).”
Not stating your source but referencing them: “Gastric cancer accounts for 1.5% of all new cancer diagnoses in the US (1).”
Referencing Research Studies as Freelance Writer
You have multiple options, you may mention the date of the study or the journal it was published in, both or neither. When it comes to health writing, most of my clients prefer mentioning both, but some like to mix it up or prefer to summarize the study without naming the source in the sentence. Whatever option you choose, always reference your source using one of the strategies we talked about earlier (hyperlinking, numbers etc). Here are some options for referencing research studies:
Stating the date and the journal: “A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology has found that mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).” or “According to a 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).”
Stating the date: “A 2019 study has found that mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).” or “According to a 2019 study, mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).”
Stating the journal: “A study published in Frontiers in Psychology has found that mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).” or “According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).”
Mentioning neither: “Researchers have found that mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).” or “Mindfulness may benefit those with depression (1).”
Referencing Books, Interviews, or Other Sources as a Freelance Writer
You may also have to reference books, interviews, or other sources. In my niche (health), we generally avoid referencing anything outside of scientific studies and official statistics, but in other niches you may have to reference other sources regularly.
Again, clearly stating where you got your informating from can be incredibly helpful in many cases. However, it may not be necessary. Whatever option you choice, always reference your source using one of the strategies we talked about earlier (hyperlinking, numbers etc). Here are some options for referencing research studies:
Mentioning your source: “According to the book, Fiber Fueled, fiber is incredibly important for your microbiome (1).” “According to her 2006 interview with Best Self Magazine, Kris Carr was at her mom’s house when she received her cancer diagnosis (1).” “According to Lissa Rankin’s TedX presentation, loneliness may be a serious health risk (1).”
Not mentioning your source: “Fiber is incredibly important for your microbiome (1).” “Kris Carr was at her mom’s house when she received her cancer diagnosis (1).” “Loneliness may be a serious health risk (1).”
Final Thoughts on Referencing Your Sources as Freelance Writer
Referencing is important. But how you do it, depends on your industry, client, and your preference. You may use one strategy or you may mix it up. This is only a guide to show you some options. There may be other strategies out there and your client may have a different preference. Check for best practices in your industry by looking at content or copy in your niche. Don’t overthink it. As long as your reference is clear, chances are, you will be okay.
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What are your preferences when it comes to sourcing and referencing as a freelance writer? What are the best practices in your niche and industry?