How to Cite Book with Multiple Authors MLA
Citing a book with multiple authors in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, following the proper guidelines ensures that your citation is accurate and professional. In this article, we will discuss the steps to correctly cite a book with multiple authors in MLA format.
1. Start with the Author’s Names
The first step in citing a book with multiple authors in MLA format is to list the authors’ names. If there are two authors, simply list them in the order they appear on the title page. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Book.” Publisher, 2020.
If there are three or more authors, you can list all their names or use the “et al.” abbreviation after the first author’s name. For instance:
Johnson, Emily, et al. “Title of the Book.” Publisher, 2020.
2. Include the Book Title
Next, include the title of the book in italics. If the title is a subtitle, enclose the subtitle in quotation marks. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Book: Subtitle.” Publisher, 2020.
3. Mention the Publisher
After the book title, include the name of the publisher. If the publisher is not specified, you can omit this information. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Book: Subtitle.” Publisher, 2020.
4. Add the Publication Date
Finally, include the publication date of the book. If the book has been published in the current year, use the year in parentheses. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Book: Subtitle.” Publisher, 2020.
If the book was published before the current year, simply list the year. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Book: Subtitle.” Publisher, 2019.
5. In-Text Citations
When citing a book with multiple authors in your text, follow the same guidelines. If you are referencing a specific part of the book, include the page number(s) after the quotation or paraphrase. For example:
According to Smith and Doe (2020), “the impact of climate change on global economies is significant” (45).
If you are referencing the entire book, you can use the authors’ names in parentheses:
Smith and Doe (2020) provide a comprehensive analysis of the book’s subject matter.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your citation of a book with multiple authors in MLA format is accurate and meets the required standards. Remember to always double-check the guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution to ensure you are following the most current rules.
