How to Cite a Book in MLA Style: A Step-by-Step Guide

In MLA format, citing books is straightforward but must be done with precision. The citation generally includes the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the year of publication. However, depending on the type of book and the edition, there may be slight variations.

1. Basic MLA Book Citation Format

The general format for citing a book in MLA style is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

For example:

Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin Press, 2020.

2. How to Cite a Book with Multiple Authors

If the book has more than one author, you can follow this format:

First Author’s Last Name, First Name, and Second Author’s First Name Last Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

For example:

Johnson, Emily, and David Turner. Global History of the Arts. Oxford University Press, 2019.

For books with more than two authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”):

Williams, Sarah, et al. The Science of Biology. McGraw-Hill, 2018.

3. Citing an Edited Book

When citing an edited book, include the editor’s name followed by “editor” (or “editors” for multiple editors) after the book title:

Editor’s Last Name, First Name, ed. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication.

For example:

Davis, Michael, ed. Modern Studies in Literature. Harvard University Press, 2017.

4. Citing a Chapter in an Edited Book

If you are citing a chapter in an edited book, format it as follows:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of Chapter.” Title of Book, edited by Editor’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of Publication, Page Range of Chapter.

For example:

Stewart, Rachel. “The Role of Technology in Education.” Educational Innovations, edited by Lena Carlson, Princeton University Press, 2020, pp. 101-120.

MLA 9th Edition Citation: Key Changes in the Format

The MLA 9th Edition made a few significant updates to the citation style, especially regarding the formatting of publisher information and the use of container titles. Here are the key changes:

1. Publisher’s Name Simplification

In the 9th edition, you no longer need to include words like “Company,” “Press,” or “Inc.” in the publisher’s name. For example:

Correct: HarperCollins, 2021
Incorrect: HarperCollins Publishers, 2021

2. Including URLs for Online Sources

When citing an online book or ebook, MLA 9th edition recommends including the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for web sources. However, you are not required to add the URL for books accessed via databases, as long as the source is easily accessible.

Example:

Miller, Anne. Cultural Dynamics in the 21st Century. Springer, 2020, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-31978-9.

3. Consistent Formatting for Titles

The MLA 9th edition emphasizes consistency in formatting book titles, ensuring that all titles (books, articles, or essays) are italicized, and quotation marks are used for smaller works like essays or chapters.

Citing Books in MLA Style: Tips and Common Mistakes

1. Double Check Author Names

First Name First: Always list the author’s first name before the last name in MLA book citations.
Middle Initials: If the author’s name includes a middle initial, include it after the first name (e.g., John D. Smith).

2. Ensure Consistency in Dates

Always ensure the year of publication is correct and matches the edition being cited. If you are citing a particular edition (e.g., 2nd edition), be sure to include it in the citation.
For instance: Smith, John. The Art of Writing, 2nd ed., Penguin Press, 2020.

3. Use the Correct Citation Style for Translated Works

When citing a book that has been translated, include the translator’s name after the book title. The correct format is:

Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Book, translated by Translator’s First Name Last Name, Publisher, Year of Publication.

For example:

Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea, translated by Gregory Moore, Scribner, 2019.

Example of MLA Book Citation:

Here’s an example of how a book should be cited in MLA style (9th edition):

Book by One Author:

Smith, John. The Power of Writing. Penguin Press, 2020.

Edited Book:

Johnson, Emily, and David Turner, eds. Global History of the Arts. Oxford University Press, 2019.

Chapter in an Edited Book:

Stewart, Rachel. “The Role of Technology in Education.” Educational Innovations, edited by Lena Carlson, Princeton University Press, 2020, pp. 101-120.

Online Book:

Miller, Anne. Cultural Dynamics in the 21st Century. Springer, 2020, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-31978-9.

Conclusion: Mastering MLA Book Citations

Proper MLA book citation is an essential skill for academic writing. Whether you’re writing a research paper, essay, or dissertation, correctly citing your sources ensures that your work is credible, transparent, and adheres to academic standards. By following the guidelines in MLA 9th edition, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and complete. Always double-check your bibliography and in-text citations to ensure consistency and precision in your referencing.