Citing sources accurately is a crucial aspect of academic writing, ensuring that your work is both credible and properly attributed. In the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, citing a book involves specific guidelines that help readers trace and verify your sources. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to cite a book in MLA format, including variations for online books.
**Citing a Print Book in MLA Format:**
When citing a traditional print book in MLA format, follow this general structure:
Author Last Name, First Name. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Publication Year.
For example:
Smith, John. *The Art of Writing*. Random House, 2010.
Make sure to italicize the book title and use proper capitalization. Additionally, how to cite a book mla note that the publisher's name is written in standard format without abbreviations, and the publication year follows the publisher's name.
**Citing an Online Book in MLA Format:**
In the digital age, many books are available online. To cite an online book, you need to provide additional information about its electronic source. The basic structure is as follows:
Author Last Name, First Name. *Title of Book*. Publisher, Publication Year. Website Name, URL.
For example:
Smith, John. *The Art of Writing*. Random House, 2010. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12345.
Include the specific website name where the book is hosted, followed by the full URL. Make sure the URL is a direct link to the book, not just the homepage of the website.
**In-Text Citations:**
In both cases, when citing a book in your text, use the author's last name and the page number from which you gathered information. For example: (Smith 45).
**MLA Formatting of a Book:**
Formatting your entire document in MLA style is equally important. Here are some key guidelines for how to cite an online book formatting a book in MLA style:
- **Font and Size:** Use a legible font (e.g., Times New Roman) and set the size to 12-point.
- **Margins:** Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the document.
- **Spacing:** Double-space the entire document, including the Works Cited page.
- **Header:** Include your last name and page number in the upper right corner of each page. Your instructor may specify a different preference.
- **Title:** Center the title of your document on the first page. Do not use bold, underline, or italics. It should be standard text.
- **Indentation:** Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- **Works Cited Page:** List all sources on a separate page titled "Works Cited." Arrange entries alphabetically by the author's last name. Follow the specific format for how to mla format a book each source type.
Adhering to these formatting guidelines ensures that your work aligns with MLA standards and appears professional and well-organized.
Citing a book in MLA format might seem intricate initially, but by following these guidelines, you'll master the art of citation, making your academic writing more reliable and scholarly. Always check the latest MLA handbook or consult your instructor for any specific requirements or updates
