How to Write Quotes in a Nonfiction Story

Quotes can bring life and a new perspective to a nonfiction story. It is important to choose appropriate quotes that will make your story memorable and help the reader connect with what you are trying to say. A good quote will fall naturally in your writing and give validity and strength to your point. Use the following tips and examine the corresponding examples to learn how to write quotes in a nonfiction story.

Instructions

1. Put quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quote:

   "Autism is quickly becoming an epidemic among our children," said Dr. Randy Johns.

2. Give the context of the quote for your nonfiction story to help the reader understand what was going on at the time, and explain how the quote connects with what you are trying to say:

   Dr. Randy Johns was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Conference on Autism because of his many years of research and personal experience with the subject.

3. Use a block quotation when the quote is four lines or longer and provide an introduction to the quote in your own words with a colon after your last word. You don't need quotation marks when you employ a block quotation, but indent each line of the quote and add a summary statement after it:

   Dr. Johns has a grandson that was diagnosed with autism:
   As a Pediatrician, I am well aware of the effects of Autism. I was angry when I found out that many insurance companies do not cover the costs of therapy for autistic children. Persons with this condition need therapy in order to better function in society. I knew then that I was going to have to do something to help better the life of not only my grandson, but other children with Autism as well.
   Clearly Dr. Johns is passionate about ensuring those with Autism get the help they need.

4. Quote experts. This gives your nonfiction story credibility and authority. Tell what makes the person an expert, such as how long they have been familiar with the subject. Always give the name and source of the quoted statement:

   Dr. Randy Johns has been a pediatrician for 20 years. During an interview, he stated, "I have noticed an increase in the number of children diagnosed with Autism over the past 5 years."

5. If you are only going to take part of a quote, use ellipses (...) to show that you shortened the quote. Be careful not to change the context of what the person is saying by cutting important words from the quote:

   Dr. Johns said, "I have noticed an increase...in the number of children diagnosed with Autism."

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to give credit to the author and source of the quote to avoid plagiarism.