How to Cite a Book in Modern Language Association (MLA 9th)
To cite a book in Modern Language Association (MLA 9th), include author(s), book title, publisher, year in the order MLA sets out. The generator below builds the exact reference and in-text citation for you.
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How to cite a book in MLA step by step
- Add the author(s). Enter the author or authors. Use the order shown and keep the spelling exactly as published.
- Add the book title. Enter the title exactly as it appears on the source.
- Add the publisher. Name the publisher responsible for the source.
- Add the place. Add the place.
- Add the year. Add the year, and the full date where the style needs it.
- Add the isbn. Add the isbn.
MLA book citation format
Below is the MLA pattern for a book, shown as a worked reference and its matching in-text citation. Swap in your own details, or use the generator to do it automatically.
Common book citation variations
How do I cite a book with no author in MLA?
When there is no author, start the MLA reference with the title, then the date. The in-text citation uses a short form of the title in place of the author name.
How do I cite a book with no date in MLA?
If no date is given, MLA uses an indication that the date is unknown in place of the year. Add the date you accessed the source where the style asks for it.
How do I cite a book with multiple authors in MLA?
List the authors in the order they appear on the source. MLA sets a point at which extra authors are shortened, so the generator applies that rule for you once you enter every name.
Cite any source in MLA
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Book citation FAQ
What is the MLA format for a book?
A MLA book reference lists author(s), book title, publisher, place, year, isbn in the MLA order. See the worked example above for the exact punctuation and spacing.
Is the MLA book citation generator free?
Yes. Generate as many MLA citations as you need, with no account and no limit.