Do: Properly cite your sources

Avoiding plagiarism does not mean removing all content that is not originally yours. In fact, properly citing acknowledged authorities can greatly boost your credibility. It shows that you have done your research. But give credit where credit is due.

Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted standard for a “proper” citation. However, following these general principles can help you navigate the murky waters of plagiarism and copyright infringement:

• Follow the appropriate style guide. There are a number of style guides that focus on different genres and fields of study. Some publishers also have their own style guides. They generally require the same basic information within a citation, but they vary on how that information should be formatted. Make sure you follow the right one or hire an editor familiar with the right one.³

• Cite the original source. If you want to use information that one of your sources cites from another source, always verify and credit the original source. Citing a citation is appropriate only when the original source cannot be accessed.

• Paraphrase when appropriate. Use quotations (and quotation marks!) when the exact wording of the original source matters. Otherwise, default to paraphrasing the idea in your own words. Although paraphrases still require citations, they better maintain the flow and style of your writing. But remember that misquoting or misrepresenting the original also counts as plagiarism.

• Avoid relying heavily on a single source. Fair use allows for a small percentage of copyrighted material to be used without the permission of the copyright holder, but the law is complicated and ambiguous.⁴ If you want to use more than a few short quotes from a copyrighted work, you may have to request permission, which may involve paying a fee. When in doubt, either reduce your usage of the copyrighted material or obtain permission.