How to Cite a Book in MLA 9
Complete guide with examples for citing print books, ebooks, edited volumes, and translations in MLA 9th edition.
Basic Format: Print Book (Single Author)
For a print book with one author, include the author, book title (italicized), publisher, and publication year.
Works Cited Entry
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Example: Single Author
Citation
Atwood, Margaret. The Testaments. McClelland & Stewart, 2019.
In‑Text Citation (Parenthetical)
(Atwood 112)
Book with Two Authors
List authors in the order they appear on the title page. Reverse only the first author's name; use "and" between names.
Example
Levitin, Daniel J., and David Byrne. I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine. W. W. Norton, 2025.
In‑Text Citation
(Levitin and Byrne 45)
Book with Three or More Authors
List only the first author followed by "et al."
Example
Smith, Jane, et al. Introduction to Canadian Politics. 3rd ed., Oxford UP, 2022.
In‑Text Citation
(Smith et al. 88)
Edited Book (No Single Author)
Example
Johnson, Patricia, editor. Contemporary Indigenous Poetics. Talonbooks, 2024.
In‑Text Citation
(Johnson 201)
Chapter in an Edited Book
Example
Wong, Michael. “Reclaiming Narrative Sovereignty.” Contemporary Indigenous Poetics, edited by Patricia Johnson, Talonbooks, 2024, pp. 45-67.
In‑Text Citation
(Wong 52)
Ebook (with DOI or URL)
Example
King, Thomas. Indians on Vacation. HarperCollins, 2020. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=123456.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the city of publication?
No. MLA 9 omits the place of publication for books unless it is relevant (e.g., books published before 1900).
How do I cite a translated book?
Include the translator's name after the title: Title, translated by Firstname Lastname, Publisher, Year.