How to Format a Book in MLA

Formatting a Book in MLA Style: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to citing sources in the Modern Language Association (MLA) format, one common mistake is not formatting books correctly. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to properly format a book in MLA style, including the title page, header, and in-text citations.

## Title Page

The first page of your paper should include your name, instructor's name, course name, and date. This is not a separate page from the rest of your paper, but rather an introduction to it. If you're formatting a book, you won't need a title page, as the title will be included on the first page of your paper.

## Header

Headers are used in MLA format to credit the author(s) of sources cited within the text. The header should include the last name of the author and the page number (if applicable). For books, you'll typically only need to include the last name of the author on the first page, followed by a space for any additional information.

• If you're writing a research paper or essay, your header will be in the upper right corner of each page.
• The format is: Last Name Page Number (e.g. Smith 12)

## In-Text Citations

In-text citations are used to credit sources within the text itself. For books, you'll typically use the author's last name and the page number(s) where you found the information.

• If the source has multiple authors, separate the names with commas (e.g. Smith, Johnson, and Williams 24-27).
• Use a parenthetical citation if you need to provide more context about the source.
• For books with no author or editor, use the title of the book in the parentheses (e.g. (Smith 12)).

## Example

Here's an example of how to format a source for a book:

Author's Last Name Page Number

For example, if you're citing a source by Smith, Johnson, and Williams, it would look like this:

(Smith et al. 24-27)

• If the author is not listed (e.g. "The History of America"), you'll use the title of the book in the parentheses: (The History of America 12)
• If the source has no page numbers, omit them entirely.

## Additional Tips

• Use a hanging indent to separate the citation from the surrounding text.
• Always proofread your citations for accuracy and consistency.
• If you're unsure about any part of the formatting process, consult the MLA Handbook or online resources for guidance.

By following these steps and examples, you'll be able to format books in MLA style with confidence. Remember to always proofread your work carefully to avoid errors and inconsistencies in your citations.