How to cite a personal communication (email, interview)
Quick answer
In APA, cite only in-text (no entry in the reference list). In MLA, include in the Works Cited with the format.
Why this one is tricky
The reader can't retrieve the content, which undermines reproducibility.
Example (APA 7)
In APA 7: cite only in-text, e.g. (J. Smith, personal communication, April 10, 2024). Do not include in the reference list.
Most common mistake
Adding personal emails to the reference list in APA — they don't belong there.
Citing a personal communication (email, interview) more than once?
Use the free Citation Generator for a single reference, or upload your whole .docx to DEEPNOTIS to handle every tricky citation at once.
Last updated: 5 May 2026