excerpting

Excerpting is the practice of selecting a short portion of a larger text to quote in another work or medium. It is used to illustrate a point, provide evidence, or support analysis without reproducing the entire source. Excerpts differ from paraphrase or summary in that they reproduce the original wording while the surrounding discussion interprets or argues around it.

Selection and use should be purposeful and proportionate. The quoted passage should be relevant to the argument, represent the source accurately, and not distort the original meaning. Editors and writers typically strive to quote the smallest passage necessary to achieve their aim and to place the excerpt within the proper context of the new work.

Copyright and attribution are central to excerpting. Short quotes may be permitted under copyright law or licensing agreements, such as fair use or fair dealing, but length, purpose, and impact on the market can affect permissions. When excerpting, provide a precise citation and, when possible, indicate the exact location (page, chapter, or timestamp). If the text is altered for clarity, such changes should be clearly indicated with brackets or ellipses, and any significant edits should be avoided.

Techniques and conventions include using ellipses to indicate omitted material, brackets for clarifications or editorial insertions, and preserving original punctuation and emphasis when feasible. Authors should avoid taking quotes out of context or altering their meaning.

Applications include academic writing, journalism, critical editions, and digital previews. Responsible excerpting respects the source, preserves context, and properly credits the original author.