How to Cite MLA Book with Multiple Authors
Citing a book with multiple authors in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, but with a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your citation is accurate and complete. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the source material. In this article, we will discuss the essential components of citing a MLA book with multiple authors and provide examples to illustrate the process.
1. Basic Format
When citing a book with multiple authors in MLA format, the basic format includes the author’s names, the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication date. The authors’ names should be listed in the order they appear on the title page, separated by commas. If there are more than three authors, only the first author’s name should be followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
Example:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Robert Johnson. The Complete Guide to Cooking. New York: Random House, 2020.
2. In-Text Citation
When you quote or paraphrase from the book, you need to include an in-text citation. The in-text citation should include the author’s last name and the page number(s) where the information is found. If the book has more than one author, you can use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” for subsequent citations.
Example:
According to Smith, Doe, and Johnson, “cooking is an essential skill for anyone who wants to enjoy delicious meals at home” (12).
3. Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited entry for a book with multiple authors should include the same information as the in-text citation, along with the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication date. The authors’ names should be formatted with the first name followed by the last name, separated by a comma.
Example:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Robert Johnson. The Complete Guide to Cooking. New York: Random House, 2020.
4. Formatting Tips
– When listing the authors’ names, capitalize the first and last name of each author.
– Use quotation marks around the title of the book.
– Use italics for the title of the book and the publisher’s name.
– If the book has an edition, include the edition number in parentheses after the title of the book.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully cite a MLA book with multiple authors. Remember to always double-check the formatting and ensure that your citation is accurate to maintain the integrity of your research.
