This guide was created in response to the discovery of counterfeit print copies of the Publication Manual.
Counterfeit versions of the Publication Manual often contain errors and inconsistencies that undermine the integrity of research or other scholarly writing that uses APA Style and may negatively affect student outcomes.
The Publication Manual is published in three print formats:
- paperback (ISBN: 978-1-4338-3216-1)
- hardcover (ISBN: 978-1-4338-3215-4)
- spiral-bound (ISBN: 978-1-4338-3217-8)
Counterfeit copies have been identified in each of the three formats.
All print formats feature SecureTag QR code technology to aid in the detection of counterfeits. Each QR code is unique and is applied to the back cover of the book during manufacturing.
Download the guide in PDF format (PDF, 552KB)opens in new window
The book should be 7” x 10”. Any variation in size could indicate a counterfeit book.
Any books received from international locations should be carefully scrutinized.
Presence of a SecureTag does not guarantee authenticity. Counterfeit SecureTags have been identified.
Content
There are formatting errors throughout some counterfeit versions of the Publication Manual.
These are examples of such errors occurring on page 317 of the book: The counterfeit is missing italics, volume numbers are incorrect (726 vs. 126 and 37 vs. 31), there is a capitalization error in the DOI, and reference labels are too bold.
Additional errors found in counterfeits include the following:
- Page 269–Paraphrases and Quotations header: “Quotations” may be misspelled in the counterfeit as “Quatations”
- Page 270–Section 8.25 Principles of Direct Quotation: The counterfeit may be missing the “n” in “Quotation”
- Page 274–Section 8.30 Changes to a Quotation Requiring No Explanation: The counterfeit may have replaced the “o” in “No” with a copyright symbol (©)
The book is likely a counterfeit if the print
- appears very dark/light (or inconsistent throughout);
- is faded or broken or has streaks through the ink; or
- is too close to the top, bottom, or edge of the page.
Binding
Paperback
Authentic versions use adhesive that is clear in color. Counterfeits often use different color adhesives, most notably opaque yellow or dark amber.
Hardcover
Authentic versions possess tight-back binding, which leads to a rounded spine. Counterfeit copies typically have a flat rigid spine.
Counterfeits often use incorrect headbands that are a different color (white) and/or pattern (striped instead of checkered) than those in the authentic book. Typically, counterfeit headbands are also poorly adhered to the spine.
Some versions of the counterfeit hardcover books have a dust jacket, which is not present on the authentic copy.
Spiral-Bound
Authentic copies use high-quality metal binding and have either rectangular or circular hole punches.
Counterfeit copies use an inferior metal binding and have poorly cut or finished hole punches for the binding.