How to cite a unpublished manuscript or thesis

Bluebook (22d ed.) citation format, B16 / R17.2.

Bluebook (22d ed.) citation format for a unpublished manuscript or thesis, governed by B16 / R17.2. Worked example, required elements, and the rules that apply.

Example

Jennifer Arlen, Public Versus Private Enforcement of Securities Fraud 12–19 (June 22, 2007) (unpublished manuscript) (on file with the Columbia Law Review).

Governing rules

B16 / R17.2

• 17 — unpublished & forthcoming sources (ordinary roman type).
• 17.2 — unpublished materials.
• 17.2.1 — manuscripts.

Required elements

• Author
• Title
• Date

Optional elements

• Kind
• Pincite
• Degree and institution — R17.2.2: required for a dissertation or thesis.
• Nature of the work
• Where it can be found
• Database citation
• URL

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