How to Cite a Book Chapter in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Chapter Title." Title of Book, edited by Editor, Publisher, Year, pp. page range.
Citation Components
Chapter Author(s)
Last, First. Multiple authors: Last, First, and First Last.
Chapter Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Book Title
Italicized. Capitalize major words (title case).
Editor(s)
Format: edited by First Last. Multiple editors: edited by First Last and First Last.
Publisher
Full publisher name.
Year
Year of publication.
Page Range
Format: pp. X-X
Real-World Example
Example Source
Johnson, Rachel
The rise of digital commerce
Business in the Modern Era
Williams, Thomas
Oxford University Press
2021
234-268
Formatted Citation
Johnson, Rachel. "The Rise of Digital Commerce." Business in the Modern Era, edited by Thomas Williams, Oxford University Press, 2021, pp. 234–268.
In-Text Citation
(Johnson 245)
(Author page#)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Johnson, Rachel. The Rise of Digital Commerce. In Business in the Modern Era, edited by Williams, Thomas, 2021, pp. 234-268.
Right:
Johnson, Rachel. "The Rise of Digital Commerce." Business in the Modern Era, edited by Thomas Williams, Oxford University Press, 2021, pp. 234–268.
Why: Chapter title must be in quotation marks. Book title is italicized. Must include publisher. Use 'edited by' format.
Wrong:
Johnson, R. (2021). The Rise of Digital Commerce. In T. Williams (Ed.), Business in the Modern Era (pp. 234-268). Oxford.
Right:
Johnson, Rachel. "The Rise of Digital Commerce." Business in the Modern Era, edited by Thomas Williams, Oxford University Press, 2021, pp. 234–268.
Why: MLA uses full names (not initials), 'edited by' (not 'Ed.'), and no parentheses. Include full publisher name.
Wrong:
Johnson, Rachel. "The Rise of Digital Commerce." Business in the Modern Era. 2021.
Right:
Johnson, Rachel. "The Rise of Digital Commerce." Business in the Modern Era, edited by Thomas Williams, Oxford University Press, 2021, pp. 234–268.
Why: Must include editor name, publisher, and page range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format the editor's name in MLA? ▼
Use: edited by First Last for one editor, edited by First Last and First Last for multiple editors.
Do I list the chapter pages in the citation? ▼
Yes, always include the page range of the entire chapter: pp. 234–268.
What if the book has no editor, just an author? ▼
If it's a single-authored book with chapters, use: Author. "Chapter Title." Title of Book, Publisher, Year, pp. X-X.
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