Writing a cover page for an APA paper may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple guidelines, you'll have no trouble creating a professional-looking cover to showcase your work. Here are some steps to follow:
Start with a blank page: Begin your cover page on a separate blank page, not on the first page of your paper.
Center the title of your paper: You'll want to center the title of your paper on the cover page. Use title case, which means capitalizing the first letter of each word, except for prepositions, articles, and conjunctions.
Add your byline: After the title, you'll need to include your byline, which is your name and institutional affiliation. Your name should be listed first and your institutional affiliation (i.e. your university or organization) should be listed underneath.
Include a running head: A running head is a shortened version of your paper's title that appears in the header of each page. It should be no more than 50 characters and in all capital letters. Add the running head to your cover page, aligned with the left margin.
Create a header: On the right-hand side of your cover page, add a header that includes the page number. It should also be in all capital letters and be aligned with the right margin.
Double-check formatting: Make sure that your cover page follows all the formatting guidelines for APA style. This includes using 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing the entire document, and including a 1-inch margin on all sides.
Proofread: Finally, make sure to proofread your cover page thoroughly for any errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting. This will help ensure that your work looks professional and polished.
In summary, to write a cover page for an APA paper, you'll need to start with a blank page and center your title on it. Add your byline, running head, and header, and make sure to double-check all formatting guidelines. Proofread your cover page for any errors before submitting your work.
