If you use a source that has no group or individual author(s) [author is unknown], how do you write a parenthetical citation for the source in your text? Question 4 options: If the source doesn't have an author, you can't use it in your paper. Use "Anonymous" in place of the author's last name. Use the first few words of the reference list entry (usually the title) in place of the author. Use "n.a." in place of the author