Sub EtAlReducer()
' Paul Beverley - Version 13.02.15
' Reduce the number of names before "et al"

' How can i identify the end of the list of author names?
myDelimiter = "year"
myDelimiter = ":"

Selection.Expand wdParagraph

If myDelimiter = "year" Then
myDelimiter = "<[0-9]{4}>"
  wc = True
Else
  wc = False
End If

Set rng = Selection
With rng.Find
  .ClearFormatting
  .Replacement.ClearFormatting
  .Text = myDelimiter
  .Wrap = wdFindContinue
  .Replacement.Text = ""
  .Forward = True
  .MatchCase = False
  .MatchWildcards = wc
  .Execute
End With
rng.Select

End Sub