Wikipedia:Identifying and using self-published works

Identifying and using self-published sources requires careful thought and a little basic knowledge on the part of Wikipedia's editors.

In determining the type of source, there are three separate, basic characteristics to identify:

• Is this source self-published or not?
• Is this source independent or third-party, or is it closely affiliated with the subject?
• Is this source primary or not? (If so, then see Wikipedia:Identifying and using primary and secondary sources.)

Every possible combination of these three traits has been seen in sources on Wikipedia. Any combination of these three traits can produce a source that is usable for some purpose in a Wikipedia article. Identifying these characteristics will help you determine how you can use these sources.

This page deals only with the first question: identifying and correctly using self-published sources.

Identifying self-published sources

Identifying a self-published source is usually straightforward. You need two pieces of information:

1. Who is the author or creator of the work?
2. Who is the publisher of the work?

If the answers to these questions are the same, then the work is self-published. If they are different, then the work is not self-published.

In determining whether a source is self-published, you should not consider any other factors. Neither the subject material, nor the size of the entity, nor whether the source is printed on paper or available electronically, nor whether the author is a famous expert, make any difference.

Examples of self-published sources

• Almost all websites except for those published by traditional publishers (such as news media organizations).
• Books printed through a vanity press
• Advertisements, pamphlets, and press releases
• Newsletters published by organizations
• Patents (see Wikipedia:Reliable source examples#Are patents reliable sources?)

Examples of non-self-published sources

• The contents of magazines and newspapers, including editorials and op-ed pieces in newspapers
• Books published by established publishers (like Random House)

Using self-published sources

Self-published sources may not be used for any claims about living people, except for claims made by the author about himself (or herself).

Self-published sources for notability

Self-published sources are never useful for demonstrating the notability of any subject.

See also

• Self-publishing