How to Cite Books in MLA Bibliographies

Begin with the author’s last name., Place the title in italics., Add the place of publication., Include the publishing information., Add the medium of publication at the end.

5 Steps 1 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Begin with the author’s last name.

    When citing a book, start with the author's last name, followed by a comma and the author’s first name.

    For example: “Jones, Bob.” Use a period after the first name.
  2. Step 2: Place the title in italics.

    Place the title of the book in italics, so it is easy to identify.

    For example: "Jones, Bob.

    Leaves and Trees." Also, use a period after the title. , After the title, add the place of publication and a colon.

    For example: “Jones, Bob.

    Leaves and Trees.

    Odessa, Texas:” Use title case capitalization for the title, meaning you capitalize the first and last word, and any other important words. , Insert the publisher’s name after the colon, followed by a comma and the year of publication.

    For example: “Jones, Bob.

    Leaves and Trees.

    Odessa, Texas:
    Cowboy Books,
    1999.” Place a period after the date. , Use a capital letter and a period after the word.

    For example: “Jones, Bob.

    Leaves and Trees.

    Odessa, Texas:
    Cowboy Books,
    1999.

    Print.”
  3. Step 3: Add the place of publication.

  4. Step 4: Include the publishing information.

  5. Step 5: Add the medium of publication at the end.

Detailed Guide

When citing a book, start with the author's last name, followed by a comma and the author’s first name.

For example: “Jones, Bob.” Use a period after the first name.

Place the title of the book in italics, so it is easy to identify.

For example: "Jones, Bob.

Leaves and Trees." Also, use a period after the title. , After the title, add the place of publication and a colon.

For example: “Jones, Bob.

Leaves and Trees.

Odessa, Texas:” Use title case capitalization for the title, meaning you capitalize the first and last word, and any other important words. , Insert the publisher’s name after the colon, followed by a comma and the year of publication.

For example: “Jones, Bob.

Leaves and Trees.

Odessa, Texas:
Cowboy Books,
1999.” Place a period after the date. , Use a capital letter and a period after the word.

For example: “Jones, Bob.

Leaves and Trees.

Odessa, Texas:
Cowboy Books,
1999.

Print.”

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