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How to Cite a Book in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite printed and electronic books in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing a book in your Works Cited page:

Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

(Smith 45)

Narrative

Smith argues that...

Key MLA Formatting Rules

  • Italicize the book title.
  • Use title case for the title.
  • Include publisher name and year.
  • For e-books, include the e-book platform.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your book.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
  3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
  4. Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
  5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

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Cite a Book in Other Styles

Book in APABook in ChicagoBook in HarvardBook in VancouverBook in IEEEBook in AMABook in TurabianBook in CSEBook in BibTeXBook in NatureBook in ACSBook in OSCOLABook in BluebookBook in AGLCBook in ASABook in APSABook in AAABook in NLMBook in ACMBook in APSBook in AIPBook in CellBook in ScienceBook in PLOSBook in BMJBook in LancetBook in JAMABook in Elsevier HarvardBook in Springer

Cite Other Sources in MLA

Website in MLAJournal Article in MLAYouTube Video in MLAPodcast in MLANewspaper Article in MLAPDF in MLAInterview in MLASocial Media Post in MLAGovernment Document in MLADissertation or Thesis in MLAConference Paper in MLALecture or PowerPoint in MLAImage or Photograph in MLAMovie or Film in MLATV Show in MLASong or Music in MLACourt Case in MLAPatent in MLAEncyclopedia Entry in MLADictionary Entry in MLADataset in MLASoftware or App in MLAPress Release in MLAReport in MLA

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