How to Cite a Book Chapter in Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography)
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Chapter Title." In Book Title, edited by Editor. Place: Publisher, Year.
Citation Components
Chapter Author
First Last format.
Chapter Title
In quotation marks.
Book Title
Italicized.
Editor(s)
First Last, ed. Multiple: First Last and First Last, eds.
Place
City of publication.
Publisher
Full name.
Year
Publication year.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Margaret Smith
The Evolution of Urban Planning
Cities and Society
Thomas Williams
Oxford
Oxford University Press
2020
Formatted Citation
1. Margaret Smith, "The Evolution of Urban Planning," in Cities and Society, ed. Thomas Williams (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020).
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript numeral
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Smith, Margaret. "The Evolution of Urban Planning." In Cities and Society. Oxford University Press, 2020.
Right:
1. Margaret Smith, "The Evolution of Urban Planning," in Cities and Society, ed. Thomas Williams (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020).
Why: Use First Last format in notes. Must include editor name with ed./eds. abbreviation. Proper punctuation and parentheses for publication info.
Wrong:
1. Smith, M. "Urban Planning." In Williams, T. (ed.), Cities and Society. Oxford: OUP, 2020.
Right:
1. Margaret Smith, "The Evolution of Urban Planning," in Cities and Society, ed. Thomas Williams (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020).
Why: Use full first names, full editor name, full publisher name, and proper Chicago punctuation.
Wrong:
1. Margaret Smith. The Evolution of Urban Planning. In Cities and Society by Thomas Williams. 2020.
Right:
1. Margaret Smith, "The Evolution of Urban Planning," in Cities and Society, ed. Thomas Williams (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020).
Why: Chapter title in quotation marks. Use 'edited by' format. Include place and full publisher information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a shortened note for a book chapter? ▼
Smith, "Evolution of Urban Planning." or Smith, "Urban Planning," if shortened further.
Should I include page numbers for the chapter? ▼
Page numbers are optional but recommended in the full bibliography entry.
What if the editor is also the author? ▼
Cite it as a regular book: Author, Title (Place: Publisher, Year).
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