How to Cite a Book in AMA Citation Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
1. Author(s). Book Title. Edition. Publisher; Year.
Citation Components
Superscript Number
Superscript 1, 2, 3, etc.
Author(s)
Last name Initial(s).
Book Title
Title Case. Not italicized in AMA.
Edition
2nd ed., 3rd ed. Omit for first edition.
Publisher; Year
Publisher name; Year.
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
Kumar A, Singh R, Patel M
Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics
5th ed.
Elsevier
2022
Formatted Citation
1. Kumar A, Singh R, Patel M. Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript 1
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
1. Kumar, A., Singh, R., & Patel, M. (2022). Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics (5th ed.). Elsevier.
Right:
1. Kumar A, Singh R, Patel M. Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Why: Use Last Initial format without periods and commas, no parentheses, edition after title, and semicolon before year.
Wrong:
1) Kumar A et al. Clinical Medicine. 5th Edition. Elsevier, Inc. 2022
Right:
1. Kumar A, Singh R, Patel M. Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Why: Don't use 'et al.' in reference list, list actual authors. Use 'ed.' not 'Edition'. Omit corporate designations like 'Inc.'
Wrong:
1. Kumar, A. (2022). 'Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics.' 5th edition: Elsevier.
Right:
1. Kumar A, Singh R, Patel M. Clinical Medicine and Therapeutics. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
Why: No quotation marks for titles, no parentheses for year, use semicolon before year, and list all authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I include the publication location? ▼
AMA doesn't require publication location, just publisher and year.
How do I cite an edited book? ▼
Editor(s), ed. Book Title. Edition. Publisher; Year.
What if there's no edition number? ▼
Omit edition information if it's the first edition.
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