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

author

Camus, Albert

title

The Stranger

edition

2nd ed.

publisher

Vintage Classics

year

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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