How to Cite a Book in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. Title of Book. Edition, Publisher, Year.
Citation Components
Author(s)
Last, First. Multiple authors: Last, First, and First Last.
Book Title
Italicized. Capitalize major words (title case).
Edition
If not first edition: 2nd ed., 3rd ed., Rev. ed., etc.
Publisher
Full publisher name. Omit 'Publisher', 'Press', 'Inc.' etc.
Year
Year of publication.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Camus, Albert
The Stranger
2nd ed.
Vintage Classics
2018
Formatted Citation
Camus, Albert. The Stranger. 2nd ed., Vintage Classics, 2018.
In-Text Citation
(Camus 47)
(Author page#) or (Author, Title page#)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Camus, Albert (2018). The Stranger. Vintage Classics Publishers.
Right:
Camus, Albert. The Stranger. 2nd ed., Vintage Classics, 2018.
Why: MLA doesn't use parentheses for years in the reference list. Omit 'Publishers' from publisher name. Always include edition if not first.
Wrong:
The Stranger. Albert Camus. 2018. Vintage Classics.
Right:
Camus, Albert. The Stranger. 2nd ed., Vintage Classics, 2018.
Why: Author must come first (Last, First.). Title is italicized, not the author. Year comes at the end.
Wrong:
Camus, Albert. "The Stranger." Vintage Classics, 2018.
Right:
Camus, Albert. The Stranger. 2nd ed., Vintage Classics, 2018.
Why: Book titles are italicized, not in quotation marks. Must include edition information if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite an ebook in MLA 9th? ▼
Format is the same as a print book, but you may include the format at the end: Camus, Albert. The Stranger. 2nd ed., Vintage Classics, 2018, ebook.
What if a book has an editor instead of an author? ▼
Use: Editor(s), editor(s). Title. Publisher, Year. Example: Smith, John, editor.
Do I include the author's name in the publisher if they're self-published? ▼
You can use 'Self-published' or the author's name as the publisher.
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