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How to Cite a Book Source

With the numerous styles of citation and differences within each style, it’s no wonder some people can get confused on how to cite references when writing papers or anything needing citation. For the sake of simplicity, this article will be restricted to MLA style citation for a works-cited list at the end of a document.

Instructions

  1. MLA works cited list

    • 1

      Write the author’s last name, then a comma, then the first name followed by a period. Example: Smith, John. Two authors are listed with the second author’s name in first name, last name format followed by a period. The authors’ names should be separated by a comma. If three or more authors, list the first in last name, first name format followed by et al and a period. Omit the author name for books with no author. For books prepared (edited) by someone other than the author, include the editor’s name after the title. Example: Jane Eyre. Ed. John, Smith. To list multiple books for one author, substitute three hyphens and a period for the author’s name after the first entry.

    • 2

      Write the title of the book exactly as seen on the title page, italicizing the entire title and following with a period.. If the book is an edition, include the edition number after the title. Example: Jane Eyre. 3rd ed. If it is a translation, include the translator’s name after the title. Example: Anna Karenina. Trans. John Smith.

    • 3

      Write the place of publication (city, state) and follow with a colon. Use just the city name if it is well known and unambiguous.

    • 4

      Write the publishing company, omitting words like press, publisher and inc., and follow with a comma.

    • 5

      Write the copyright year followed by a period and then the type of publication (print, online, etc.) followed by a period. If the book is a reprint but not a new edition, include the original copyright year after the title, followed by a period.

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