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How to Write Book Titles in Your Essays

3-minute read

26th May 2023

When writing an essay, you’re likely to mention other authors’ works, such as books, papers, and articles. Formatting the titles of these works usually involves using quotation marks or italics.

So how do you write a book title in an essay? Most style guides have a standard for this – be sure to check that first. If you’re unsure, though, check out our guide below.

Italics or Quotation Marks?

As a general rule, you should set titles of longer works in italics , and titles of shorter works go in quotation marks . Longer works include books, journals, TV shows, albums, plays, etc. Here’s an example of a book mention:

Shorter works include poems, articles, chapters of books, episodes of TV shows, songs, etc. If it’s a piece that’s part of a biggHow to Write Book Titles in Your Essayser work, the piece considered a short work:

Exceptions to the Rule

The rule for writing book titles in italics applies specifically to running text . If the book title is standing on its own, as in a heading, there’s no need to italicize it.

Additionally, if the book is part of a larger series and you’re mentioning both the title of the series and that of the individual book, you can consider the book a shorter work. You would set the title of the series in italics and place the book title in quotation marks:

Punctuation in Book Titles

Do you need to apply italics to the punctuation in a book title? The short answer is yes – but only if the punctuation is part of the title:

If the punctuation isn’t part of the title (i.e., the punctuation is part of the sentence containing the title), you shouldn’t include in the italics:

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Summary: Writing Book Titles in Essays

We hope you’ll now feel confident when you’re writing and formatting book titles in your essays. Generally, you should set the title in italics when it’s in running text. Remember, though, to check your style guide. While the standards we’ve covered are the most common, some style guides have different requirements.

And once you finish writing your paper, make sure you send it our way! We’ll make sure any titles are formatted correctly as well as checking your work for grammar, spelling, punctuation, referencing, and more. Submit a free sample to try our service today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write the title of a book in a sentence.

Set the title of the book in italics unless the book is part of a larger work (e.g., a book that’s part of a series):

When do you use quotation marks for titles?

Place titles of shorter works or pieces that are contained in a larger work in quotation marks:

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Writing A Book Title In Your Essay – The Right Way

Table of contents

1 APA Style: How to Write Book Titles in Essays
2 APA Style Essay: Writing The Name of The Author
3 MLA Style Essay: Citing a Book Title
4 Chicago Style Essay: Writing the Book Title
5 Writing Various Types of Titles
6 Should We Underline or Italicize Book Titles?

When you are writing an academic essay , the book title and author’s name should be written in italics. However, if the book title is part of a larger work (such as a journal article), it should be underlined instead. So, you’re wondering how to write a book title in an essay?

Writing an essay with a book title can be tricky, particularly because each style guide has its own formatting rules for including titles in the main text. Whether you are using MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard referencing styles, you will need to consider how to properly format the book title. For more complicated literature-based assignments, seeking assistance from an admission essay writing service may be wise, as they specialize in writing essays that incorporate academic sources.

In this article, we will explore how to write both titles in an essay properly so that you avoid any mistakes!

APA Style: How to Write Book Titles in Essays

When writing an essay, you must follow the style guide provided by your professor. Some teachers may require you to use APA style and others MLA style. There are some rules on how to quote a book title in an essay. You should use italics and quotation marks when writing book titles in essays. For example: “ The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II. “

When writing a book title in APA Style , you should be aware of these rules:

Write the book title in italics and place it after the author’s name, which is presented in reverse order (last name first).

Use quotation marks around the headline of a chapter or article.

Capitalize proper names that are not common nouns (names of people, places, organizations), but do not capitalize words such as “and,” “or,” “to,” or “and/or.”

Do not capitalize prepositions that appear at the beginning of titles if they are followed by an article (e.g., “A,” “An”), but do capitalize prepositions at the beginning of titles if they are not followed by articles (“Of”).

The first word of the headline should be capitalized, as well as any other words after a colon or hyphen. For example, “The Elements of Style: Grammar for Everyone” or “Theories of Personality: Critical Perspectives.”

Capitalize proper names and words derived from them (e.g., the names of people, places, organizations), except proper nouns used generically (e.g., ‘a bed’).

APA Style Essay: Writing The Name of The Author

You should always use the full name and surname of the author in your APA essay because this will give proper credit to the writer. If you do not mention the author’s full name, people may not know who wrote what and will think you copied it from somewhere else. This will cause lots of problems for you and your reputation as well.

Make sure that all authors’ names appear in the same format in each entry. For example, if one person’s surname is Smith and another’s is Jones, both have first names starting with “J.” It may seem like they are being cited as different people when they’re actually written differently from each other on separate pages in your paper.

To write an APA essay without any issues, there are certain rules that you need to follow while writing an author’s name in APA essay:

Use only one author’s name in your paper unless there are multiple authors
If there are multiple authors, then use both their last names followed by the initials of their first names
Only use initials of first names when there are three or more authors; otherwise, use full names with their last names

Example: Johnson, M.C., Carlson, M., Smith, J. N., & Hanover, L. E.

MLA Style Essay: Citing a Book Title

Now let’s discuss how to mention a book in an essay. The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition, published by the Modern Language Association (2014), contains detailed rules about how to cite a book title in an essay.

The following guidelines will instruct you on how to refer to a book in an essay in MLA style :

List your sources at the end of your paper, before the works cited page or bibliography.
Use italics for titles of books, magazines, and newspapers, but not for articles within those publications, which should be placed in quotation marks.
Include all relevant book information under two categories: “title” and “author.” In the former category, include the work’s title and its subtitle if there is one; do this even if neither appears on your title page (see below). In the latter category, include only primary authors who have written or edited an entire book; if there are multiple contributors, you should cite them separately under each.

The general format for citing the title of the book in an essay is as follows:

Author’s last name, first initial (Date). Title of Book with Subtitle if there is one. Publisher Name/Location of Publisher; Year Published

Chicago Style Essay: Writing the Book Title

One of the most important things to remember when writing in Chicago style is how to write the title of a book in an essay. To write a good book title in an essay, you should follow these steps:

Write it at the beginning of your sentence.
Capitalize it just like any other noun or proper noun.
Put a comma after the title unless it’s an introductory clause or phrase. For example: “The Firm,” by John Grisham (not “by”) and “The Catcher in the Rye,” by J.D Salinger (not “and”).
In addition to the book’s name, punctuation marks should also be italicized.

For example: Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince: Children’s Edition

Writing Various Types of Titles

Now that we covered how to write a book title and author in an essay, it’s time to look at some different types of titles. When you write a book title in an essay, several things must be considered. Whether it’s a book, series, chapter title, editor’s name, or author’s name, how you write it depends on where it appears in your paper.

Here are some key rules for writing headings for novels:

Use capital letters to write the title of the novel. For example, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett .
Use italics and capital letters to write the name of the author and his/her other works mentioned in a book title—for example, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (1813) .

You should use quotation marks when writing headings of short title poems, articles, and stories.

However, before deciding which format to use, it is important to understand the main idea you want to express in your essay. Additionally, you could use essay papers for sale to help you accomplish your goal of writing an essay effectively.

Should We Underline or Italicize Book Titles?

It depends on which style guide you use. The Modern Language Association and Chicago Manual of Style both suggest using italics, while the American Psychological Association suggests using quotation marks with a few exceptions.

The way you write the title of a book in an essay is different depending on the instructions you were given. For example, if you’re writing an essay in APA style, use quotation marks around the book’s name. If you’re writing for MLA or Chicago style , however, italicize the book’s name instead. If you’re writing a handwritten essay instead of using a computer, capitalize and underline the book’s name.

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How to Write a Book Title in an Essay in MLA & APA Styles

Learn how to properly cite book titles in your essays using MLA & APA styles. Discover guidelines for writing book titles in essays with ease.

Rijvi Ahmed

Last updated on Mar 14th, 2024

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In academic writing, attention to detail is paramount, especially when it comes to writing essays. An often overlooked aspect is how to properly incorporate book titles into text, a seemingly simple thing that can lead to confusion if the task is not done properly.

Whether you follow the Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychological Association (APA) approach, an understanding of how to write a book title and how a book’s title is structured is essential to the clarity and coherence of your writing.

In this guide, we will explore the complexities of a book title for inclusion in an essay according to the MLA-APA method. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of the guidelines for each process along with practical writing tips for ensuring that your essays meet proper editorial standards.

So let’s embark on this journey to demystify the process of writing book titles in essays, and ensure that your academic writing shines with professionalism and accuracy.

Importance of Properly Formatting Book Titles in Essays

Properly organizing book titles into essays is a seemingly mundane part of academic writing, but its importance cannot be overstated. Every aspect, from enhancing readability to supporting scholarly integrity, emphasizes the central role of formalization in academic discourse.

By adhering to established formatting guidelines, whether MLA, APA, or other academic styles, authors ensure a clear and cohesive presentation of their work, allowing readers to focus on the content rather than being swallowed up by inconsistent policy

Properly formatted book titles serve as signposts, guiding readers to the sources of information and ideas, thereby facilitating further exploration and engagement with the scholarly conversation.

By maintaining these standards, writers uphold the principles of academic honesty and integrity, protecting the credibility of their work and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

From increasing readability and clarity to supporting and inclusive scholarly integrity, each piece emphasizes the critical role of coherent organization in academic discourse. Through organizational guidance that is established in compliance, writers not only demonstrate their attention to detail and commitment to professionalism.

General Rules When Writing a Book Title in an Essay

When incorporating a book title into an essay, whether you’re following MLA, APA, or another citation style, there are general rules to adhere to for clarity and consistency. Here are some overarching guidelines:

1. Italicization vs. Quotation Marks : Determine whether the citation style you’re using requires book titles to be italicized or enclosed in double quotation marks. In MLA style, for instance, book titles are italicized, while in APA style, they are enclosed in double quotation marks. Be sure to follow the specific requirements of your chosen citation style.

2. Punctuation : Regardless of the citation style, book titles should be punctuated properly. This means using appropriate punctuation marks such as commas, periods, question marks, or exclamation points within or after the title, depending on the context of your sentence.

3. Capitalization : Follow the capitalization rules prescribed by your citation style. Typically, capitalize the first word of the title, as well as any proper nouns or adjectives. However, lowercase all other words unless they are proper nouns or adjectives.

4. Consistency : Maintain consistency throughout your essay in how you format book titles. Whether italicized or enclosed in quotation marks, ensure that you apply the chosen formatting consistently each time you reference a book title within your text.

5. In-text Citation : Provide an in-text citation whenever you reference a book title within your essay. This citation typically includes the author’s last name and the publication year, enclosed in parentheses. Consult the guidelines of your citation style for specific formatting requirements for in-text citations.

6. Reference List or Works Cited : At the end of your essay, include a reference list (APA) or works cited page (MLA) that provides full bibliographic details for all sources cited in your essay, including book titles. Format the entry for each book title according to the guidelines of your chosen citation style.

7. Accuracy : Double-check the spelling and formatting of book titles to ensure accuracy. Incorrectly formatted titles or typographical writing errors can detract from the professionalism and credibility of your essay.

By following these general rules, you can effectively integrate book titles into your essay while maintaining clarity, consistency, and adherence to the conventions of your chosen citation style.

What Are MLA & APA Styles

Two well-known citation formats used in academic writing are MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association). Both styles provide guidelines for formatting various elements of a paper, including citations, references, and formatting of titles, such as book titles within essays.

In MLA style, book titles are generally italicized within the body of the essay. This means that when referring to a book title within the text, it should be italicized to distinguish it from the surrounding text. Additionally, MLA style typically requires authors’ names and page numbers to be included in in-text citations for direct quotations or paraphrased information.

On the other hand, APA style follows slightly different conventions for formatting book titles in essays. According to Wikipedia, APA style (also known as APA format) is a writing style and format for academic documents such as scholarly journal articles and books. In APA style, book titles are not italicized; instead, they are enclosed in quotation marks. Similarly to MLA style, APA requires authors’ names and publication years to be included in in-text citations for direct quotations or paraphrased information.

Understanding these differences is essential for properly formatting book titles in essays according to MLA and APA styles. While both styles aim to maintain consistency and clarity in academic writing, they have distinct rules regarding the formatting of book titles.

Adhering to the specific guidelines of each style ensures that your writing meets the expectations of scholarly standards and effectively communicates your ideas to readers.

How to Write a Book Title in an Essay in MLA Style

Writing a book title in an essay in MLA style requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines to maintain consistency and accuracy. Whether you’re discussing a classic novel, a contemporary work of fiction, or a scholarly publication, correctly formatting the book title is essential for conveying your ideas effectively. Let’s explore the steps for properly formatting a book title in an essay according to MLA style:

1. Italicize the Title : One of the fundamental rules in MLA style is to italicize the title of the book when mentioned within the body of the essay. Italicization serves to differentiate the title from the surrounding text and emphasizes its importance to the reader. For instance:

– In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth.

2. Use Title Case : When writing the title of the book, capitalize the principal words, including nouns, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives. Articles, conjunctions, and prepositions are generally not capitalized unless they are the first or last word in the title or part of a hyphenated word. Here’s an example:

– “The Catcher in the Rye” remains a classic coming-of-age novel.

3. Include Author’s Name : It is customary to include the author’s name when introducing the title of the book in your essay. This provides essential context for the reader and acknowledges the author’s contribution to the work. Typically, the author’s last name is sufficient, especially if it’s clear from the context which work is being referenced. For example:

– In “Beloved” by Morrison, the legacy of slavery haunts the characters’ lives.

4. Format In-Text Citations : When quoting directly from the book or paraphrasing its content, it’s crucial to include an in-text citation following MLA guidelines. The citation should include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken. For instance:

– (Hemingway 22) or (Smith and Johnson 45)

5. Titles Within Titles : If the book you’re discussing contains a title within its title, such as a collection of essays or short stories, follow specific formatting rules. Italicize the title of the larger work and enclose the title of the smaller work in double quotation marks. Here’s an example:

– In “The Norton Anthology of English Literature,” the essay “Shakespeare’s Women” examines the portrayal of female characters in his plays.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively integrate book titles into your essays under MLA style. Consistency and accuracy in formatting not only enhance the professionalism of your writing skills but also demonstrate your commitment to scholarly standards and integrity.

How to Write a Book Title in an Essay in APA Style

Writing a book title in an essay according to APA style necessitates adherence to specific formatting conventions to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with academic standards. Here’s a comprehensive guide detailing the steps involved:

1. Punctuation and Enclosure : Book titles must be enclosed within double quotation marks. This distinguishes them from other texts in the essay and signals to readers that they are referring to the title of a specific work. For instance, if you’re discussing the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” within your essay, it should be presented as “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

2. Capitalization : When formatting book titles in APA style, capitalize the first word of the title, as well as any proper nouns or adjectives. However, all other words in the title should be lowercase unless they are proper nouns or adjectives. For example, the book title “The Catcher in the Rye” follows this capitalization pattern.

3. Italicization vs. Quotation Marks : Unlike MLA style, which mandates italicization for book titles, APA style requires book titles to be enclosed in double quotation marks. This distinction is crucial for adhering to APA guidelines accurately.

4. In-text Citation : Whenever you reference a book title within your essay, it’s essential to provide an in-text citation to acknowledge the source. This citation typically includes the author’s last name and the publication year in parentheses.

For example, you might write, “In the novel ‘1984’ (Orwell, 1949)…”

5. Reference List Entry : After your essay, you must include a reference list that provides comprehensive bibliographic details for all sources cited in your work. When listing a book in the reference list, include the author’s last name followed by their first initial, the publication year in parentheses, the book title in italics (or within double quotation marks if it’s an article or chapter within a larger work), the publication location, and the publisher’s name. Here’s an example of a book reference list entry:

Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

By meticulously following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate book titles into your essay according to APA style, ensuring accuracy, professionalism, and adherence to academic conventions.

In conclusion, correctly formatting a book title within an essay is essential for maintaining consistency and adhering to the guidelines set forth by MLA and APA styles. Remember to italicize the title in both styles and to capitalize significant words according to the rules of each style guide.

By following these simple guidelines, writers or authors can ensure their essays are properly formatted, enhancing the overall professionalism and credibility of their work.

So, whether you’re citing a classic novel or a contemporary bestseller, mastering the art of writing book titles in MLA and APA styles will undoubtedly elevate the quality of your writing.

FAQs: How to Write a Book Title in an Essay in MLA & APA Styles

What’s the importance of correctly formatting book titles in essays.

Accurate formatting of book titles is crucial for academic integrity and professionalism in writing. It demonstrates your understanding of citation styles like MLA and APA and enhances the clarity and organization of your essay.

How do I format a book title in MLA style within an essay?

In MLA style, italicize the titles of books and use title case (capitalize the first letter of major words and any important words in the title). For example, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

What about formatting book titles in APA style?

In APA style, capitalize only the first word of the title, the first word of the subtitle (if any), and any proper nouns. Additionally, italicize the title. For example, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Are there any exceptions to the italicization rule for book titles?

Yes, if you’re writing by hand or using a typewriter where italics aren’t possible, underline the title instead.

How do I reference a book title in-text using MLA and APA styles?

In MLA style, place the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. For example, (Fitzgerald 47). In APA style, include the author’s last name and the publication year, separated by a comma, within parentheses. For example, (Fitzgerald, 1925).

Do I need to include the author’s name in the essay when referring to the book title?

Yes, both MLA and APA styles require you to include the author’s name when referring to the book title in your essay. This helps provide context and credit to the original author.

What should I do if the book title contains a subtitle?

In both MLA and APA styles, include the subtitle after the main title, separated by a colon. Capitalize any proper nouns and the subtitle’s first word. For example, “The Great Gatsby: A Novel of the Jazz Age.”

Can I abbreviate book titles in my essay?

It’s generally recommended to use the full title of the book to ensure clarity and accuracy. Abbreviations might lead to confusion, especially in scholarly writing.

Where can I find more detailed guidelines for formatting book titles in MLA and APA styles?

You can refer to the official MLA Handbook or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for comprehensive guidelines on formatting book titles and other citation-related issues. Additionally, numerous online resources and style guides provide detailed explanations and examples.

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Mar 14th, 2024
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How to Write a Book Title in an Essay (MLA, APA etc.)

Formatting your essay correctly ensures that you get full recognition for the hard work you put into it. Wondering what to do? There are two scenarios that lead you to the question of "how to write a book title in an essay":

You have not been required to use a particular style guide, in which case consistency remains important.
You have been instructed to use a particular style guide. You now simply need to ensure that you are familiar with its rules.

Regardless of which of these scenarios holds true for you, this guide is here to help.

How to Write a Book Title in an Essay

Many style manuals call on writers use title case and italics to format a book title. Title case rules vary slightly from one style guide to the next, but generally capitalize all important words — nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs. Conjunctions and prepositions are not capitalized unless they are very long (generally more than four letters) or they appear at the beginning or end of a book title.

Writers who are not required to work with a specific style manual can't go wrong if they stick to this style. Some examples would be:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Gift of Fear and Other Survival Signals That Protect us From Violence by Gavin de Becker
The Cat With a Feathery Tail and Other Stories by Enid Blyton

If, on the other hand, you're required to use a style guide, it will likely be one of these:

MLA, commonly used in disciplines relating to literature and social sciences.
APA, commonly used in psychology and other sciences.
Chicago, often used in the publishing industry.
Harvard style, commonly used in philosophy and social sciences.

These are certainly not the only "big players" in the style guide world, but they're ones it's good to be familiar with. There is overlap between these styles, but there are also major differences — so knowing one definitely does not mean you know the others, too.

Guidelines for Writing a Book Title in an Essay

Looking for a short and sharp answer, so you can get on with the rest of your essay? This is it.

This quick guide will help you reference the book title of your choosing in the body of your essay, but what about your Works Cited pages? Each style guide offers different rules, and we'll use the same book as an example to illustrate the differences.

MLA uses the following format: Author Last Name, First Name. Title of Book . City of Publication, Publisher, Publication Year. Example: Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game. Tor Books, 1985. (You only have to detail the city of publication if the book was published before 1900, the publisher has offices in many localities, or the publisher is not known in the US.)
APA uses the following format: Author Last Name, First Name. (Year of Publication). Title of book. Example: Card, Orson Scott. (1985). Ender's game.
Chicago style uses the following format: Author Last Name, First Name. Book Title: Subtitle . Place of publication: Publisher, Year. Example: Card, Orson Scott. Ender's Game . Tor Books, 1985.
Harvard uses the following format: Author Last Name, First Initial. (Publication Year). Title . ed. City: Publisher. Example: Card, O. (1985). Ender's Game. Tor Books.

If, after researching, you cannot find relevant information about publication years, publishers, or the city in which a book was published, you may omit it. For a full guide, it is always best to have a physical copy of the latest edition of the style manual you are using. You can, however, get by without this if you need to.

Should you still not know what to do, it will be helpful for you to know that you can "generate" citations for a particular style manual with the help of online tools like Cite Me . These are not always accurate, so if you decide to use one, always check the citation manually.

Why Is Proper Formatting Important?

All of the well-known style manuals ultimately serve the very same set of purposes, although they were each developed for a particular niche. The goals of these style manuals are both explicit and implicit:

Following a style guide ensures consistency throughout a document, in this case an essay.
Consistency ensures that reader's understand precisely what the writer is talking about, without exerting any effort on figuring that out. Clarity is especially important in academic writing.
By using a style guide within a certain discipline, you show that you understand the rules within that discipline. This adds credibility to your voice as a writer. You have done your homework, have ideally bought the style manual, and are part of the "in group".
Sticking to a certain style guide makes it easier for relevant parties to check your references, which they can then use to perform further research.

Students are increasingly asked to refer to style guides at all levels, including in high school. In this case, formatting your essay correctly, in accordance with the right style manual, serves two additional purposes:

You'll lose points if you don't do it right, offering you an additional reason to do your research.
Getting used to these formats prepares you for further education. If you are in high school, it prepares you for college-level writing. If you are an undergraduate student, it prepares you for academic work at the graduate and post-graduate levels.

Can you start an essay with a book title?

Yes, you can start an essay with a book title. This is a valid stylistic choice, but you will always want to consider your introduction carefully.

How do you write a book title in handwriting?

Students sometimes ask whether it is acceptable to underline book titles instead of italicizing them. This practice indeed stems from a time in which most students wrote their essays by hand. Although it has largely fallen out of practice now, you can still underline a book title if you are handwriting your essay.

How do you write a book title and chapter in an essay?

You should mention the chapter title first: "Rat" from Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Consult the relevant style manual to ensure you get the formatting right.

Can you shorten a book title in an essay?

Yes, you can. Reference the full title the first time you mention it (for example: Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things ). The next time you mention the book, you may simply refer to Furiously Happy .

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How to Write A BOOK Title In An Essay

Writing a book title in an essay can be confusing. But it is necessary for the credibility and clarity of the write-up. Plus, each writing style has its own rules for formatting titles. Hence, doing such an activity could be a real pain for the students.

Don’t worry, as you are in the right place! Since this interesting article focuses on guiding you about how to write a book title in an essay accurately. So, read it thoroughly before you search for a professional paper writing services provider.

Table of Contents

Understanding Formatting Guidelines

The first step in learning how to write book name in essay is to learn the basics. It means you need to get comfortable with different formatting guidelines. Let’s begin with the style guides.

Different style guides

When writing essays for college , it’s important to know the rules for formatting book titles. The three most popular style guides are MLA, APA, and Chicago.

In MLA format , you should usually italicize book titles. You can also put them in quotation marks when a type of work demands.

For example, a book title like “To Kill a Mockingbird” would be italicized: To Kill a Mockingbird .

However, a chapter title within a book would be placed within quotation marks. For example, “The Ewell Family.”

In APA style , the first word of book titles is capital.

For example, a book title like “The Catcher in the Rye” would be written as The catcher in the rye

Chicago Style

Chicago style demands a book title to be in italics or quotation marks. It is very similar to the MLA style. But Chicago style gives you a bit more leeway to use italics or quotation marks. It’s best to stay consistent with what you pick throughout your essay when using the Chicago style.

Consistency within the Essay

You must be consistent when including the title of a book in an essay. Figure out what style guide you must follow and ensure you stick with it. That means all the book titles you mention should look the same.

For example, if you choose to italicize book titles according to MLA style. Ensure that all book titles in your essay are italicized consistently. Avoid mixing italicization with quotation marks or using different formatting styles within the same essay.

Inconsistency in formatting can confuse readers and undermine the professionalism of your work. Paying attention to detail and maintaining consistency will contribute to your essay’s overall clarity and readability.

Determine the Appropriate Style Guide to Follow

To determine the appropriate style guide to follow for formatting book titles in your essay, consider the following:

Assignment Requirements

See if your teacher or the instructions for the assignment mention a certain style to go by. Stick to that, if they do, to ensure everything is consistent, and you meet the expectations.

Academic Discipline

Your field of study can affect which style guide you should use. For example, humanities and literature students usually use MLA style, while social sciences usually use APA style. It’s important to know what’s typical in your discipline to choose the right guide.

Formatting Book Titles in MLA Style

Humanities and liberal arts disciplines use MLA writing rules. In MLA style, book titles are usually in italics like in APA style. But there can be variations in capitalization and punctuation. Let’s explore each aspect in detail with examples:

In MLA style, book titles are put in italics to make them stand out from the rest of the text.

Titles of shorter works, such as articles or chapters, are enclosed in quotation marks.

Example 1: Italicized Book Title

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby .

Example 2: Book Chapter (In Quotation Marks)

Smith, John. “The Art of Persuasion.” Essays on Rhetoric.

Capitalization

In MLA style, follows the title case. It means keep the first letter of each word capital. Capitalize articles, conjunctions, and prepositions only if they are the first or last words in title.

Example 3: Correct Capitalization

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird.

Punctuation

In MLA style, there should be no special punctuation like colons or periods between the main title and any subtitles. However, if the book’s title includes a subtitle, a colon should separate it from the main title.

Example 4: Book Title with Subtitle

Gladwell, Malcolm. Outliers: The Story of Success.

Edition and Volume Numbers

To refer to a certain book edition, add the edition number after the book title. If the book is part of a multi-volume work, indicate the volume number after the title as well.

Example 5: Edition and Volume Numbers

Johnson, Mary. Chemistry in Focus. 2nd ed.

Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations. Vol. 1.

Translated Titles

If the book you are citing is translated from another language, include the original title and the translator’s name in the citation.

Example 6: Translated Title

Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Translated by David Wyllie.

It’s important to remember that MLA style is always changing and being updated. So always refer to the latest edition of the MLA Handbook or your institution’s writing guidelines.

Formatting Book Titles in APA Style

Usually the social sciences disciplines use APA (American Psychological Association) style. Let’s look at how you must consider capitalization, punctuation and italics in this writing style.

Just capitalize the first word of any subtitles and proper nouns.

All other words, such as articles (a, an, the), conjunctions (and, but, or), and prepositions (in, on, at), are in lowercase.

Example 1:

“The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business”

In APA style, book titles are italicized to distinguish them from the rest of the text.

Do not italicize titles of shorter works, such as articles or chapters. Just enclose them in quotation marks.

Example 2: Italics

Here’s an example of an italicized book title:

The Catcher in the Rye

In APA style, there should be a colon (:) between the main title and any subtitle.

When citing a book title within the text of your paper, use title case and italicize it.

When including book titles in your reference list, use sentence case and italicize it.

Example 3: Punctuation

Here’s an example of proper punctuation and citation within the text and reference list:

In-text citation

According to Smith (2019), The Theory of Everything provides an in-depth analysis of astrophysics.

Reference list citation

Smith, J. (2019). the theory of everything . Publisher.

Include the edition number in parentheses right after the book title when a book has a specific edition.

If a book is part of a multi-volume work, you can also indicate the volume number after the title.

Example 4: Parenthesis

Here are examples of how to format book titles with edition and volume numbers:

Edition Number

Johnson, M. (2022). Chemistry in Focus (2nd ed.).

Volume Number

Smith, A. (2021). History of the United States (Vol. 3).

Include the translator’s name in square brackets if you cite a translated book.

Example 5: Translated Thesis

Here’s an example of how to format a translated book title:

Kundera, M. (1984). The Unbearable Lightness of Being [Original title: Nesnesitelná lehkost bytí].

Translated by M. Henry.

Formatting Book Titles in Chicago Style

The Chicago Manual of Style is mostly used in the humanities and social sciences disciplines. Chicago style follows two systems, namely Author-Date System and the notes and bibliography system. Let’s explore both of them.

Author-Date System

In the author-date system, you include:

In-text citations with the author’s last name
The publication year
A corresponding entry in the reference list

Italicization

In the author-date system, book titles are italicized. It makes them Distinguish from other elements in the citation.

Chicago style uses a title case for book titles in the author-date system. It means the first letter of the title, subtitles, and any major words are capitalized.

There should be a period at the end of the full book citation in the reference list.

Example 1: In-Text Citation

Example 2: Reference List Citation

Smith, John. 2019. The Theory of Everything . Publisher.

Notes and Bibliography System

You use footnotes or endnotes in the notes and bibliography system for in-text citations and a bibliography for the full list of references.

Similar to the author-date system, book titles are italicized in the notes and bibliography system.

In the notes and bibliography system, the Chicago style uses headline-style capitalization for book titles. It means that the first letter of the first and last words of the title are capitalized.

Put a period at the end of each full bibliographic entry in the notes and bibliography system.

Example 3: Footnote/Endnote Citation

John Smith, The Theory of Everything (Publisher, 2019), 25.

Example 4: Bibliography Citation

Smith, John. The Theory of Everything . Publisher, 2019.

You may include the edition number after the title, and for multi-volume works, the volume number after the title.

Example 5: Edition Number

Johnson, Mary. Chemistry in Focus . 2nd ed.

Example 6: Volume Number

Smith, Adam. The Wealth of Nations . Vol. 1.

For translated works, include the original title and the translator’s name in the citation.

Example 7: Translated Title

Kafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis . Translated by David Wyllie.

Citation of Book Titles in Other Situations

Let’s highlight some unusual circumstances of including a title of book in essay. Starting with:

Book titles within quotations

If you’re citing a direct quote from a book in your essay, you may need to put the book title in quotes. Generally, you should use double quotation marks for this.

For example:

According to Mark Twain, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

In the novel 1984, George Orwell explores the theme of government surveillance through the famous line, “Big Brother is watching you.”

By using double quotation marks, you indicate that the words within the quotation marks are taken directly from the book.

Book Titles in Footnotes or Endnotes

In academic writing, footnotes or endnotes can be added to give extra info or credits. When including book titles, how you format them depends on the citation style you’re using.

In Chicago Style, book titles in footnotes or endnotes should usually be italicized or in quotation marks.

For Example:

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (New York: Penguin Classics, 2002), 45.

Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird , (New York: Harper Perennial, 2006), 77.

Handling Foreign language book titles

Follow these rules for citing a book in a foreign language. You should keep the original language title, especially if it’s a popular work.

Italicize the foreign language book title following the same guidelines as you would for an English book title. Include a translation in parentheses if necessary.

Use the original foreign language title in sentence case without italics or quotation marks. Include a translation in brackets if needed.

Italicize or use quotation marks for foreign language book titles, following the same guidelines as you would for an English book title. Include a translation if required.

Special Cases

In certain situations, you might need to format book titles differently. Like if you’re talking about a poem or play. These types of works have their own rules for formatting titles. Let’s get to know them briefly.

Typically, you’d put poem titles in quotation marks and longer pieces of poetry, like epics, in italics. It’s worth checking the style guide you’re using, though, since the rules can vary.

You’ll usually see the title written in italics when it comes to plays. The names of characters or speakers within the play are usually written with a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, without quotation marks.

Best Practices for Including Book Titles in Essays

Double-check formatting guidelines.

It’s super important to double-check the formatting rules for book titles when writing an essay since each style guide has its own rules. You need to make sure you’re following them properly.

Proofreading for Accuracy and Consistency

Look out for mistakes in how you’ve done the capitals, italics, and quotes. Double-check any extra rules that might apply to foreign language books, poems, plays, and other special cases.

Seek Assistance from Style Guides or Writing Resources

It’s a good idea to get help from style guides or writing tools when you are stuck with citations. You can also buy cheap essay from a well-reputed writing services provider.

It’s super important to get book titles in essays right. Not just for clarity but also to show you’re a pro. Ensure that you stick to the accurate style guide. It could be MLA, APA, or Chicago. Plus, there are special rules for poems and more.

Furthermore, if you need a professional to help you out with citations, do count on the expertise of our writers . They are always available to get you out of your troubles of how to write book titles in essays.

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How to Write Book Titles in Essays: APA, MLA, Chicago Styles

It’s your practical and up-to-point guide on how to write a book title in an essay. You’ll get the formatting rules and examples for citing book and author names in academic papers.

We’ve covered the top three citation styles: APA, Chicago, and MLA.

How to Write the Title of a Book in an Essay

First, remember the general rules of citing book names in academic works.

Here’s how to cite books in essays :

Use capitalization. Every word of a book’s name goes in the title case, except prepositions, articles, and coordinating conjunctions.
Use italics for longer and independent works. Use double quotations for shorter ones (poems, articles, book chapters, or play acts and scenes).
Use single quotations for a book’s title within another title. (When citing monographs about literary works, for example.)

While capitalization rules depend on the citation style, some general tips have a place to be. Please, no capitalization for:

Articles: a, the (unless the book title begins with it)
Coordinating conjunctions and prepositions: of, and, or, but, for, to, nor, in, so (unless the book title begins or ends with it)

Subordinating conjunctions (although, unless, because, if) go in capital letters.

How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: APA

APA (American Psychological Association) is the most popular style for citing academic works. It’s common for the social sciences like Education, Psychology, Sociology, and others. The current edition: 7th (2019).

Book titles in APA stand for:

Italics. (If a book name includes any punctuation, italicize it too.)
Capitalization. (Capitalize all words longer than four letters , regardless of the part of speech. Also, use capital letters for two-part words and those coming after a dash or a colon.)
Double quotations instead of italics. (When citing a short work like an article or a poem; when citing a book chapter or when the book is a part of an anthology.)

For example:

The Lord of the Rings but “The Fellowship of the Ring” (The latter is part of the trilogy.)

Related: How to Cite a Movie in APA Format

How to Write the Name of a Book in an Essay: Chicago

The Chicago Manual of Style is a guide by the University of Chicago. It’s common for fields like History, Fine Arts, and Business. The current edition: 17th (2017).

How to format book titles in Chicago:

Italicize longer and independent works; put shorter ones in double quotations.
Use italics for punctuation within a title.
Capitalize all words except articles (a, the) and ALL prepositions or conjunctions (regardless of length).

For example:

In George Orwell’s 1984 , the author presents a dystopian society characterized by pervasive government surveillance and the suppression of individual freedom. The harrowing events in “Chapter 2,” where Winston Smith begins to rebel against the Party by starting a forbidden diary, mark a pivotal moment in the novel’s exploration of resistance against totalitarianism.

The style resembles the MLA format, but it’s flexible, allowing you to “break the rules if necessary.”

How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: MLA

MLA format stands for the Modern Language Association. It’s common for humanities like Literature, Culture, Linguistics, etc. The current edition: 8th (2016).

How to format books in MLA:

Italicize all words, including punctuation and those of two parts or going after colons and hyphens.
Capitalize all words except articles (a, the) , prepositions, and short conjunctions within a book title.
Use double quotations instead of italics when writing a book chapter or a part of a book series.

In Little Women , Beth March dies in Chapter 40, “The Valley of the Shadow.”

Formatting Book Author Names in Papers

Use the author’s full name (first and last) to format it in your essay for proper credit.

If a book has two authors, use both last names and initials. For works with three or more authors, use the last name of the first one and add “et all.”

No need to italicize author names in papers.

Why Properly Cite Book Titles in Essays

The short answer:

You won’t get a high grade for an essay. Formatting blunders count as mistakes.

The longer answer:

You prove writing skills and an understanding of the rules in academia.
Your papers maintain consistency. It’s critical to stick to criteria to prevent confusion. The consistent format for book headings also serves to better scannability and readability.
You learn to cite different types of references for your future projects.

Do you italicize book titles?

Yes, you put book titles in italics. Please italicize long and stand-alone works: books, movies, webpages, reports, or music albums. Shorter works’ titles (articles, essays, poems, songs, or book chapters) come in quotations. (1)

Do you underline book titles?

Underlining book titles is an outdated practice. Some still use it in handwritten essays, but it’s not a must-follow rule. Neither APA nor MLA (or Chicago) mentions underlining book names in academic papers.

How to use book title capitalization in texts?

Capitalize every word in a book’s title. Exceptions are articles (a, the), prepositions, and short (three or fewer letters) conjunctions in mid-titles.

Are books italicized in all formatting styles?

Yes, book titles come in italics in all styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago. When citing book chapters or a book as a part of a series, use quotation marks instead.

How to write a book author in an essay?

Use the author’s full name when citing their book in your papers. For works with several authors, mention their last names and initials. Unlike book titles, author names come in standard formatting with no italics.

References:

https://english.csuci.edu/resources/essay-writing-essentials.htm
Essay samples
Essay writing
Writing tips

How To Write Book Titles The Proper Way: A Complete Guide For Writers

February 10, 2022

Book titles within essays or papers can be tricky. There are specific rules that are given for how to include a book title in a way that sets it apart from the content of your writing given by the Modern Language Association. However, as with many other things in life, there are exceptions to the rules. This article will guide you through the rules of the writing style guides so that you can include a book’s title in your paper or essay correctly.

How to write book titles:

Style guides and book titles.

When it comes to book titles within text, there are a few different style guides that have rules you can follow, depending on your writing type. The three types that you will encounter most often are; MLA style, Chicago manual of style, and APA. A writing instructor will usually tell you what style guide you are expected to use for a particular essay or paper.

MLA Style Guide

The MLA handbook states that you should always italicize book titles when styling book titles within your text. The exception to this rule are religious texts. You would not italicize the Holy Bible or the sacred books or titles of other religions. Note the following example.

Pam had stayed most of the summer indoors, re-reading her favorite book series. She was already up to Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone , and she didn’t regret not being more active or going outside.

In the above example, the book title is italicized. Fiction titles and nonfiction titles alike must be in italics when within the text.

Series Titles in MLA

In the above example, a book from a series was used. But what if the text had not specified which book from the series Pam was reading? Would it still need to be in italics? The answer is: in this case, yes. In other cases, sometimes.

It’s really not as confusing as it seems. When you are talking about a book series but don’t want or need to include the complete series titles for the purposes of your work, you only have to put words in italics that also appear in the book titles. So, because Harry Potter is part of the title of all of the books in the series, you would italicize his name every time you mention the book.

However, if you were talking about Katniss Everdeen, you would not have to do this, as the book series she is featured in doesn’t use her name in the titles of The Hunger Games series. The same would be true of books like the Nancy Drew books.

Quotation Marks

There are instances in which titles should be placed inside of quotation marks within a paper or essay. This is done when you cite the titles of poems , a chapter title, short stories, articles, or blogs.

So, for example, if you were to write a paper that featured a poem from a book, you would put the book title in italics and the poems cited in quotation marks.

An example of an enduring love poem is “Annabel Lee” from The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe.

Chapter Title

Another time that quotation marks should be used is when using the title of a chapter. If you are citing a specific chapter of a book, you would enclose the title of the chapter in quotation marks, and the title of the book should be in italics.

The desperation and sadness of a man on death row can be seen in the “Wild Wind Blowing” chapter of Norman Mailer’s The Executioner’s Song.

Short Stories

Short stories are another case. Much like the title of a chapter or poem, in which the title is placed in quotation marks, while the title of the book or collection it is found in is italics. The same can be said for sections, stories, or chapters cited within a literary journal.

Stepping away from his norm of horror and gore, Stephen King writes of trust, love, and regret in his story “The Last Rung on the Ladder,” which can be found in his short story collection Night Shift.

Punctuation Marks

If you are citing a story or title that includes question marks, you need to make sure to italicize the question mark when citing. Keep all punctuation, such as a question mark, comma, ellipses, colon, or exclamation mark, as it is in the original individual books.

If you want a funny and irreverent read, you’ve got to try Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea. Chelsea Handler has done a phenomenal job of being vulgar, relatable, and explaining life from her viewpoint in this hilarious and memorable book.

The Digital Age: Are Book Titles Underlined Anymore?

MLA style used to dictate that a book title should either be in italics or underlined. However, that is no longer the case. As computers started to take over as the major tool used in writing, it became unpopular to underline book titles. Therefore, this rule was dropped from the style guides.

However, it should be mentioned that when handwriting an essay or research paper, many instructors prefer that you underline book titles, as it’s relatively difficult to handwrite italics. If you are in a writing course or a class that is heavy on handwritten work, be sure to ask your instructor or teacher which method they prefer for citing a book title.

How to Come Up with Book Title Ideas

Now that quotation marks, italics, and style guides have been discussed, let’s move on to how you can come up with your own book title. If you’d like a title for your book that sounds interesting and will get a reader’s attention, you may find this article helpful.

Coming up with a good title for your book is a challenging yet essential marketing decision . The right title can make your target audience choose your new book off of the shelf instead of another writer’s work. Your book cover and your book title are quite possibly the most important marketing decisions you will make.

How to Choose a Good Book Title

Certain criteria should be met if you want to have a good book title , and there are specific steps involved in getting there. You may have assumed up until now that titles of books were just spur of the moment decisions made by authors or publishers, but a lot of work goes into writing good titles.

Grab the Reader’s Attention

As a general rule, you want your reader to remember your title and to sound interesting, even without the reader having seen the cover. There are several ways to do this. You can be a little dark with your title, be controversial, provoke the reader, or even be funny.

There are many examples of such works that use memorable and attention-seeking titles. The following are some different titles that are effective and would most likely provoke a reader to grab them from a shelf for closer inspection.

Burn After Writing (Sharon Jones)
Love in the Time of Cholera (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (Mindy Kaling)
Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea (Chelsea Handler)
The Devil Wears Prada (Lauren Weisberger)
Chicken Soup for the Soul (various authors)
God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian (Kurt Vonnegut)

Shorter Titles

If your full title for your book is long, you may end up boring a reader or creating a situation where a reader tries to remember the title of your book, but it’s too long and ends up getting it confused with another book. Although you should always do your best to make sure that there aren’t books by other authors that share a title or have a title similar to your book (more on that in a minute), you don’t want a person to get confused and get the wrong book instead.

Research Your Title Ideas

It’s a good idea to take the titles you have considered for your book and make a list. Then, do your homework. You can use tools like Google Adwords to test out your title to see if there are others like it, or you can simply use any search engine and plug your title ideas into the search bar and see what similar or exact titles of the same words pop up.

Readers are generally busy people. They don’t have the time or the energy to ensure that writers get a title right. They’ll look for the book they are interested in, and if it proves to be too difficult, or if there are other books written that have the same title, they’ll move on to something else.

A writer really has to make sure that they have a title that isn’t going to be ignored, is interesting, isn’t too long, and isn’t too similar to other works.

The same goes for titles of short works within a larger body of work. Short works, like poems or stories, need to have unique titles as well when included in a larger body of work, such as a collection. If stories are similar in nature, be sure to title them differently so that readers will be able to tell them apart, as well.

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General guidelines

Final thoughts, how to write a book title in your essay: academic formatting 101.

Mastering the art of seamlessly integrating book titles in essays is a crucial skill for all writers. Navigating the complex landscape of various style guides, such as MLA, APA, Harvard, or Chicago, requires a deep understanding of formatting rules. Whether you are a student striving for precision in academic writing or an aspiring author looking to enhance your literary skills, this article will help you navigate the nuances of how to write a book title in an essay in different citation styles.

Let's explore the intricacies and ensure that your book details are written and presented with finesse!

Crafting a polished essay or requires well-thought-out content and meticulous attention to formatting, especially when it comes to writing book titles. Understanding the general rules across popular citation styles is crucial for presenting your literary references cohesively. Learn where all styles converge on how to cite books in essays.

When it comes to self-contained and independent books, such as novels, short stories, poetry collections, and plays, the titles should be italicized. Here are some examples:

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee;
Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare;
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman;
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

For components within a larger work, such as chapters, scenes, songs, or individual poems, they should be enclosed in quotation marks. However, the entire book title in an essay should still be italicized. Here are some examples:

Chapter 3, "The Forbidden Forest," in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling;
Stanza 2 of the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe;
"Chapter 5: The Meeting" from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

When completing papers where the title of a book in an essay is nestled within another title, as commonly seen in scholarly works discussing poems or novels, it's important to follow specific formatting conventions:

When the book's name mentioned within the overarching title is typically formatted in italics, it’s advisable to employ italic letters consistently. So, the overarching title that encompasses the specific book's discussion should also be italicized.
If the name of a book in an essay (poem or novel) referenced within the overarching title typically appears within double quotation marks, it’s recommended to enclose it in single quotation marks instead. Besides, ensure the formatting is consistent throughout your text. If the main title is italicized, remember to maintain this style for the entire heading, including the nested title within quotation marks. If it’s challenging, you may to avoid any inconsistencies in your formatting. Let’s see how these two guidelines can be implemented in the following examples:
Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’: A Critical Analysis of Ambition and Tragedy;
In Search of Identity: Ralph Ellison’s ‘Invisible Man’ and the African American Experience;
Modern Love: T.S. Eliot’s ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ in the Context of Modernist Literature;
Echoes of Tradition: Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in Contemporary Literature;
Beyond Wonderland: Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice's Adventures in Wonderland’ in the Context of Victorian Fantasy.

Both stand-alone books and subsections within a larger work adhere to title case capitalization, where major words are capitalized. Consider the following examples:

Journey through History: The Significance of The Diary of Anne Frank and Its Enduring Legacy;
Unraveling Mystery: A Critical Analysis of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express ;
Reflections on Love and Loss: A Farewell to Arms and Ernest Hemingway’s Art of Storytelling;
The Quest for Identity: The Invisible Man and Ralph Ellison’s Exploration of African American Experience.

So, you should consider the following rules:

Write the author's last name followed by initials for the first and middle names.
Use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name in a list of multiple authors.

Example: Fitzgerald, F. Scott

In MLA style, the formatting rules for book titles and author names are slightly different:

Book titles:

Italicize the title of the book. Do not underline or place it in quotation marks.
Capitalize the first letter of all major words in the title.
Place the title in quotation marks if it is part of a larger work (e.g., a chapter in a book).

Example: "The Catcher in the Rye"

Author names:

Write the author's last name followed by a comma and then the first name.
For multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page.

Example: Salinger, J.D.

By following these guidelines for APA, MLA, Chicago, AMA, and CSE citation styles, you can ensure that your book titles and author names are correctly formatted in your essays. Consistency and accuracy in citation style demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to academic integrity.

Author names should be written with the last name followed by initials without spaces or periods.
For multiple authors, separate their names with commas and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
If the work has a group or corporate author, write the name in full.

Example 1 (single author): Smith, J. A.

Example 2 (multiple authors): Smith, J. A., Johnson, M. R., & Brown, P. S.

Example 3 (group author): American Psychological Association.

When it comes to book titles in MLA style, they should be italicized. Underlining or using quotation marks is not necessary. Follow these guidelines:

Italicize the book title. Capitalize the first and last words, as well as all major words in between. Minor words should not be capitalized unless they are the first or last words or come after a colon.

Example: A Good Man Is Hard to Find.

Write the author’s full name with the last name first, followed by the first name.
List multiple authors in the order they appear on the title page.
If the work has a corporate author, use the organization’s name.

Example 1: Fitzgerald, F. Scott.

Example 2: Smith, John, and Mary Johnson.

Example 3: Modern Language Association.

In Chicago style, book titles should be italicized. Follow these guidelines:

Italicize the titles of larger works, such as books. Capitalize the first and last words, as well as all major words in between. Minor words should not be capitalized unless they are the first or last words or come after a colon.

Example: Murder on the Orient Express .

Full name of the author should be written with the last name first, followed by the first name.
If there are multiple authors, list them in the order they appear on the title page.

Example 1: Ellison, Ralph.

Example 2: Wood, James, and Mary Jane.

Example 3: University of Chicago Press.

Learn how to cite a book in an essay in AMA style. The American Medical Association provides specific guidelines for citing and formatting. Here are the rules:

Italicize the titles of larger works, such as books ─ do not underline or use quotation marks.
Capitalize only the first word of the title and any proper nouns. Do not capitalize subsequent words unless they are proper nouns.

Example: The Great Gatsby .

Write the author's last name followed by their initials without spaces or periods.
If there are multiple authors, separate them with commas and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
If the work has a group or corporate author, write the full name.

Example 1: Fitzgerald FS.

Example 2: Smith JA, Johnson MR, & Brown PS.

Example 3: American Medical Association.

The guidelines of the Council of Science Editors are similar to the AMA style. If you need help with formatting, you can always request "write an essay for me" and get assistance. Here are the key guidelines:

Italicize the titles of books in essays (larger works, not chapters or articles). Avoid underlining and quotation marks.
Capitalize only the first word of the title, proper nouns, and the first word after a colon or em dash.

Example: A Tale of Two Cities .

Write the author's last name followed by a space and their initials, with no commas or periods between the initials.
If there are multiple authors, use commas to separate them, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name.
If the work has a group or corporate author (e.g., an organization), write the name in full.

Example 1: Dickens C.

Example 2: Clark JB, Doe JM, & Anderson KL.

Example 3: Council of Science Editors.

In conclusion, mastering the formatting rules for author names is crucial for academic writing. By following the guidelines of style guides, writers can ensure professionalism and adherence to standards. Precision in citing authors is essential for credibility in scholarly work.

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How to Write the Title of a Book in an Essay

by Lesley V.
November 21, 2023

If you want to know how to cite books in essays properly, here’s my guide on the top three citation styles.

You’ll learn to cite the title of books in essay in APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Get ready to remember formatting guidelines and consider examples.

Book Titles: Formatting Guide

How to write a book title in an essay: apa .

I’ll focus on the latest version, APA’s 7th edition [1]. For this format, you provide the author’s surname, initials, the publishing year (use round brackets), the italicized title, the publisher, and DOI if the manual has it.

If the book has several authors, place surnames in the alphabetic order, with “&” before the last surname. If it’s an edited work without an author, put the editor’s surname and initials at the beginning. In the case of several editors, add “Ed.” or “Eds.” after the initials.

If the copy has both an author and an editor, place the author’s surname initials in the beginning and add the editor’s surname and initials in brackets between the book title and the name of its publisher.

Shakespeare, W. (1954). The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark . The Folio Society.
Black S. (1981). How to live this life . (White A. & Brown L., Eds.) Scale University Press.

How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: MLA

I provide the rules according to MLA’s 8th edition [2].

Provide the author’s full name, italicize the book title, the publishing place (for works older than 1900), the publisher, and the publication date.

If the copy has several authors , you write the first author’s surname and their name after a comma and then name other authors in the usual name-surname order. Add “and” before the last author in the list.

In the case of books with no authors, the MLA format doesn’t require you to note the editors. You can skip the part with authorship and start with the title in italics.

Examples to correctly cite books in MLA:

Shakespeare, William. The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark . The Folio Society. 1954.
Encyclopedia of Montana . Summerset, 1993.

How to Write Book Titles in Essays: Chicago

The fine points of the Chicago style are the fine points for the footnotes and endnotes as in-text references:

In the footnote, you provide the author’s first and last name, italicize the book title, specify the place of publication, publisher, and year in round brackets, and write the page number.

The difference between the footnote and source in the bibliography is not so big. In the bibliography, you provide the author’s surname, not the name first. Also, don’t use round brackets and page numbers.

Writing Author Names in Paper Bodies

Authors’ surnames in the bodies of papers go in capital letters. Depending on the citation style, it might or might not require a personal name.

For example, APA 7 or MLA 8 doesn’t require the author’s name. In-text citations in APA will be “As Shakespeare (1954) writes, ” while Chicago, as you can see from above, requires both first and last names in footnotes.

In Lieu of a Conclusion: FAQs

Are books italicized?

Yes, the titles of the books go in italics in the references.

Do you underline book titles?

No, you don’t need to underline the book titles. The exception might be if you write an essay by hand. It’s hard to italicize titles when handwriting, so you underline the name to specify it.

How do you write book titles with subtitles in an essay?

Italicize the title, start with a capital letter, and place the subtitle after the colon, also capitalized. For example : I am Malala: The story of the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban.

How to write a short story title in an essay?

A story, poem, essay, or any other short genre represented as a book part must go in quotation marks. For example: “The Intruder.” It’s a short story in Andre Dubus’s collection, Dancing After Hours .

Why properly cite books in essays?

The title of the books in the essay is critical for a reader to understand what kind of source this is.

References:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/index.html

2. https://libguides.southernct.edu/mla/core/title

When Writing the Title of a Book in an Essay: Best Practices

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

When Writing the Title of a Book in an Essay: Best Practices

Title Capitalization and Formatting: How to Get it Right in Your Essay

Understanding the purpose: why book titles matter in essays, choosing the appropriate writing style: italics vs. quotation marks, the art of punctuation: using colons and commas in book titles, citing a title within a title: navigating complexities with ease, maintaining consistency: applying capitalization rules in different citation styles, when to abbreviate and when to spell out: handling long book titles, attention to detail: ensuring accuracy in book title references, frequently asked questions, concluding remarks.

When it comes to writing essays, it’s crucial to pay attention to the proper capitalization and formatting of your title. Understanding these guidelines can greatly enhance the quality and readability of your work. Here are some tips to help you get it right:

1. Capitalize the First and Last Words: In your title, capitalize the first and last word, as well as all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. It’s important to note that articles, conjunctions, and prepositions should only be capitalized if they are the first or last word in the title.

2. Follow Title Case Style: Title case is the recommended style for capitalizing titles. In this style, capitalize all major words, including the ones mentioned earlier, while leaving minor words (such as articles, conjunctions, and prepositions) lowercase. Examples of major words include “How,” “Get,” and “Right,” while minor words include “to,” “and,” and “in.”

3. Use Proper Formatting: Ensure that your essay title is properly formatted. Begin by placing your title in the center of the page, and if required, use bold or larger font size. Italicize titles of longer works, such as books or movies, within your essay title to distinguish them.

4. Be Consistent: Maintain consistency in capitalization and formatting throughout your essay. Stick to the chosen style and apply it diligently to all titles within your work. This creates a professional and coherent presentation of your ideas.

By adhering to these title capitalization and formatting guidelines, your essay will not only look polished and well-structured, but also demonstrate your attention to detail. Remember, first impressions matter, and a properly formatted title can captivate your readers, setting the tone for an engaging and well-crafted essay.

Understanding the Purpose: Why Book Titles Matter in Essays

Choosing the right book title for your essay may seem like a trivial matter, but it is actually an essential component of your writing. The title serves as a gateway to your content, capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the entire piece. Furthermore, a well-crafted book title can provide valuable insights into the main theme or argument of your essay. Here’s why book titles matter and how they can enhance your writing:

Attracting readers: A captivating book title immediately grabs the reader’s interest and entices them to explore your essay further. It creates a sense of intrigue and curiosity that encourages potential readers to click on your work or delve deeper into the content.
Summarizing the content: A book title acts as a concise summary of your essay, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main idea or subject matter. By carefully selecting a title that effectively conveys your message, you provide a glimpse into the content’s focus and make it easier for readers to decide if it aligns with their interests or needs.
Setting the tone: The title of your essay can establish the overall tone or mood you want to convey. Whether it’s thought-provoking, humorous, or solemn, a well-considered book title can instantly create the desired atmosphere, giving readers a sense of what to expect from your writing.

In conclusion, the power of a book title should not be underestimated when it comes to crafting impactful essays. By choosing a title that captures attention, summarizes the content, and sets the tone, you can effectively guide readers towards engaging with your work. Remember, a compelling book title is not just an afterthought but an essential element of your essay that contributes to its overall effectiveness.

Choosing the Appropriate Writing Style: Italics vs. Quotation Marks

When it comes to choosing the right writing style for your text, understanding the differences between italics and quotation marks is crucial. Both formatting options serve distinct purposes and can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

Italics, indicated by the tag, are commonly used to emphasize words or phrases within a sentence. By slanting the text, italics draw attention to specific terms, providing emphasis and adding a level of importance. For example, when discussing a foreign word or phrase, italics can help indicate that it is not a native term and should be approached accordingly. Additionally, italics are commonly used for titles of larger works, such as books, albums, or movies, as well as to highlight scientific names or terms. They give your writing a cohesive and polished appearance, making it easier for readers to identify and comprehend important information.

On the other hand, quotation marks, marked by the tag, serve a different purpose. They primarily indicate direct quotes or dialogue within a text. By enclosing a word, phrase, or sentence within quotation marks, you separate it from the rest of the text, signifying that it is being borrowed or spoken by someone else. Quotation marks are essential for creating clear attribution and avoiding plagiarism. Moreover, they are useful for highlighting the titles of shorter works, like articles, poems, or individual song tracks , helping readers recognize these distinct elements within your writing. The correct use of quotation marks can effectively convey meaning and prevent misunderstandings when reading a text.

The Art of Punctuation: Using Colons and Commas in Book Titles

Colons and commas are two essential punctuation marks that can add depth and clarity to book titles. Whether you’re a writer or an avid reader, understanding how to use these punctuation marks effectively can significantly enhance the impact of a book’s title. Let’s dive into the art of punctuation and explore the different ways colons and commas can be employed to create captivating titles.

Using Colons: 1. Separating the Main Title from a Subtitle: Colons are often used to distinguish the primary title of a book from its subtitle. This allows authors to convey additional information or provide a hint about the book’s content. For example, “The Journey Within: Unleashing Your True Potential” or “Dreams of Eternity: Exploring the Unknown Realm.” 2. Introducing Lists or Concepts: Colons can also be used to introduce a list or present a series of ideas within a book title. This technique adds an element of intrigue and suggests that the book covers various topics. For instance, “The Elements of Style: Grammar, Rhetoric, and Composition” or “The Art of Simplicity: Declutter your Life, Nurture your Mind, Cultivate Happiness.”

Using Commas: 1. Combining Multiple Authors’ Names: Commas are frequently used to separate the names of multiple authors when co-authoring a book. This punctuation helps to give equal importance to each contributor. For example, “The Sherlock Holmes Adventures: Written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Illustrated by Sidney Paget.” 2. Creating a Sense of Pause: Commas can also be used to create a sense of rhythm or pause within a book title, allowing readers to catch their breath and absorb each component separately. For instance, “Whisper in the Wind, Cry in the Darkness: A Haunting Tale of Love and Loss” or “The Power Within, A Journey of Self-Discovery.”

Citing a Title within a Title: Navigating Complexities with Ease

In the world of writing, it is not uncommon to come across the need to cite a title within a title. However, this seemingly simple task can often present complexities that leave writers scratching their heads. Fear not! We are here to guide you through these complexities with ease.

When it comes to citing a title within a title, it is crucial to understand the proper formatting and punctuation rules to ensure clarity and accuracy. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:

1. Use double quotation marks for the title within a title. For example, if you are citing an article titled “The Art of Storytelling: Exploring Different Narrative Techniques,” the title within that article should be enclosed in double quotation marks, such as “Analyzing the ‘Hero’s Journey’ Theory.”

2. Ensure proper capitalization. When citing a title within a title, capitalize the first and last words, as well as all principal words (those with four or more letters). However, do not capitalize articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or), or prepositions, unless they are the first or last word of the title within a title.

Maintaining Consistency: Applying Capitalization Rules in Different Citation Styles

Maintaining consistency in applying capitalization rules is crucial when adhering to different citation styles, as it ensures accuracy and professional presentation of your writing. Proper capitalization not only conveys professionalism but also helps establish credibility and clarity. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when using different citation styles:

1. APA Style: – Sentence case: Capitalize the first word of the title and any subtitles, as well as any proper nouns. – Example: “The impact of social media on mental health.”

2. MLA Style: – Title case: Capitalize the first, last, and principal words in the title and any subtitles, along with all major words in names and titles. – Example: “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health.”

3. Chicago Style: – Title case: Capitalize the first and last words of the title, all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and subordinating conjunctions. – Example: “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health.”

When to Abbreviate and When to Spell Out: Handling Long Book Titles

Handling long book titles can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to deciding whether to abbreviate or spell them out in their entirety. The choice ultimately depends on various factors, such as style guidelines, readability, and the specific context in which the title is being referenced. To help you navigate this dilemma, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Consistency is key: When dealing with long book titles, it’s important to maintain consistency throughout your writing. If you’ve chosen to abbreviate a particular title, ensure that you consistently use the same abbreviation each time it appears. This helps to avoid confusion and maintain clarity for your readers.

2. Consider readability: While abbreviating long book titles may seem tempting to save space or streamline your writing, it’s crucial to consider readability. If the abbreviation risks becoming ambiguous or difficult to understand, it may be wiser to spell out the title in its entirety. Remember, your readers should be able to grasp the meaning effortlessly without unnecessary effort.

Attention to Detail: Ensuring Accuracy in Book Title References

When it comes to referencing book titles, attention to detail is crucial to ensure accuracy. Incorrectly citing a book can not only undermine the credibility of your work but also lead to confusion among readers. Here are some essential tips to help you master the art of accurately referencing book titles :

Formatting: Pay close attention to the specific formatting requirements for book titles, as they may vary depending on the citation style. For example, in APA style, book titles are written in sentence case and italicized, while in MLA style, they are written in title case and italicized.
Title vs. Subtitle: Many books have a main title followed by a subtitle. It is vital to include both components when referencing the book to provide a complete and accurate citation.
Punctuation: Be careful with punctuation when citing book titles. In most citation styles, titles are italicized or enclosed in quotation marks, and punctuation marks are placed accordingly.

Remember, accuracy in book title references not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also respects the intellectual property of the authors whose works you are referencing. By following these tips, you can ensure that your citations are precise and enhance the credibility of your written work.

Q: What is the proper way to write the title of a book in an essay? A: When writing the title of a book in an essay, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure correct formatting and citation.

In summary, adopting best practices when writing the title of a book in an essay ensures clarity, consistency, and adherence to established guidelines.

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APA Style - 7th edition
Specific Rules for Authors & Titles

APA Style - 7th edition: Specific Rules for Authors & Titles

Basic Information

Rules for Writing Author and Editor Information

Rules for writing titles.

Media Sources
Internet Sources
In-text Citations
Reference Lists

There are certain things to keep in mind when writing the author's name according to APA style. Authors may be individual people, multiple people, groups (institutions or organizations), or a combination of people and groups.

You must include all the authors up to 20 for individual items. For example, if you are using an article that has 19 authors you must list them all out on your reference page.
Use initials for the first and middle names of authors. Use one space between initials.
All names are inverted (last name, first initial).
Do not hyphenate a name unless it is hyphenated on the item.
Separate the author's names with a comma and use the ampersand symbol "&" before the last author listed.
Spell out the name of any organization that is listed as an author.
If there is no author listed, the item title moves in front of the publication date and is used.

An item that you use may have an editor instead of an author or in the case of audiovisual materials a writer or director.

For editors follow the same rules above and put the abbreviation (Ed.) or (Eds.) behind the name(s).
For audiovisual materials follow the same rules as above and put the specialized role (Writer) (Director) behind the name.

Zhang, Y. H. (one author)

Arnec, A., & Lavbic, D. (two authors)

Kent State University (organization as author)

Barr, M. J. (Ed.). (1 editor)

Powell, R. R., & Westbrook, L. (Eds.). (2 editors)

here are certain things to keep in mind when writing a title according to APA style.

Book titles are italicized and written using sentence case (only the first word of a title, subtitle, or proper noun are capitalized).
Book chapter titles are written using sentence case and are not italicized.
Journal titles are italicized and written using title case (all the important words are capitalized).
Article titles are written using sentence case and are not italicized.
Webpages and websites are italicized and written using sentence case.

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (book title, American Psychological Association is a proper noun so it is capitalized)

Student perspective of plagiarism (book chapter title)

Internet plagiarism in higher education: Tendencies, trigging factors and reasons among teacher candidates (article title, Tendencies is the first word of a sub-title so it is capitalized)

Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education (journal title)

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Last Updated: Jul 14, 2023 4:23 PM
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How to Write a Book Title in MLA Formatting

by Joe Bunting | 2 comments

You're writing a paper for school and suddenly you stop in the middle of the sentence. You have to write a book title, but you don't how to format it. How do you format a book title in MLA style? Good news: you're in the write place (sorry, I had to).

In this post, we'll talk about MLA style and formatting, whether it's appropriate for your project, and most importantly, how to write a book title in MLA style.

How to Write a Book Title in MLA Formatting

What Is MLA?

MLA stands for Modern Language Association, a society primarily based in the United States but with international standing, that has a mission to “strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature”. Founded in the late 1800s by an American novelist and professor, MLA publishes a set of resources used by students and teachers, including the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers .

The MLA handbook is one of the main style manuals for students and scholars in the world, especially for anyone studying literature, film, or theater.

Should You Format Based on MLA Style?

If you're writing a paper for a class in literature, theater, or film, absolutely use MLA style. Outside of that, it depends. Here are the most frequent style guides associated with various disciplines:

Literature, Film, Theater: MLA
Psychology: APA
Science (Physics, Biology, Chemistry): CSE or APA
Journalism: AP
Mathematics: AMA
Publishing: Chicago

You can find a full list of international style guides here .

Now that you know if you should be using MLA style, how do you format a book title with it?

How to Format a Book Title in MLA Style: Example

In MLA style, book titles are italicized, as so:

Henry Thorough argues in Walden that the best life is lived in deliberate simplicity so as to discover what life truly is about.

In fact, most style guides, including MLA and Chicago style, require book titles to be italicized , not underlined.

If the book title has a subtitle, the subtitle should be italicized as well and separated by a colon to be formatted correctly for MLA style, as in:

Natural History of the Intellect: the last lectures of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Should You Underline Book Titles in MLA Style?

If you are using MLA style, you should not underline book titles. Instead, italicize the titles.

However, AP style, the guide used by journalists, suggests putting titles in quotation marks, not italicization.

Still, I wouldn't recommend underlining a book's title. In fact, I couldn't find a single style guide that requires book titles to be underlined, but if you know of one that does, let me know in the comments!

Which style guide do you use most? MLA? Chicago? APA? AP? Or do you just write based on your own rules?! Let me know in the comments .

Let's cement this formatting lesson in our minds by putting it to use right away with the following writing exercise .

What are your favorite books of all time? Write about what you love about them and why they are your favorites for fifteen minutes . Make sure to use the correct formatting for each title!

When your time is up, post your practice in the comments section . And if you post, please be sure to read a few practices by other writers and share your feedback with them.

Happy writing!

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

how do you format the title if you’re writing on paper and can’t italicize?

When writing by hand, you can underline book titles.

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MLA Style Manual

How to Write Book Titles in MLA

Last Updated: April 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Annaliese Dunne and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Annaliese Dunne is a Middle School English Teacher. With over 10 years of teaching experience, her areas of expertise include writing and grammar instruction, as well as teaching reading comprehension. She is also an experienced freelance writer. She received her Bachelor's degree in English. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 48,454 times.

If you're writing a research paper, you may want to include the title of a book in the text of your paper. The handbook for the Modern Language Association (MLA) provides specific rules for how to set off the title of a book from the rest of your text. Generally, titles of books are set apart from the rest of the text following particular formatting, capitalization, and punctuation rules.

Formatting Titles

Step 1 Italicize book titles in the text of your paper.

Music album titles and film titles are also italicized.
In earlier editions, the MLA Handbook also permitted titles to be underlined. The 8th edition confirms that underlining is no longer appropriate.

Exception : Religious texts, such as the Bible or the Quran, are not italicized.

Step 2 Use regular font style to distinguish a title within a title.

For example, you might write: "In The Great Gatsby in the Classroom: Searching for the American Dream , David Dowling promotes the use of art and film to improve literacy."

Step 3 Italicize series titles that are independent or foundational.

For example, if you were talking about the Nancy Drew series, you would not italicize "Nancy Drew" because the name does not appear in the titles of any of the individual books. In contrast, Harry Potter would be italicized, because the name appears at the beginning of the title of every book in the series.

Step 4 Abbreviate titles for subsequent mentions.

For example, if you were writing a paper on The Great Gatsby , you would need to include the full title in your text at least once. If you mentioned the novel more than once, you could use Gatsby as a shortened title.
How you shorten the title generally depends on your own judgment. Use a word or words that evoke the title easily in the mind of the reader, without any ambiguity.

Capitalizing Titles

Step 1 Capitalize the first word of the title and subtitle.

For example, you might write: "Comedian Steve Martin takes on the art world in his novel An Object of Beauty . Note that the word "an" is capitalized because it is the first word. Otherwise, it would be in lowercase.
If the book also has a subtitle, capitalize the first word of the subtitle just as you did the first word of the title.

Step 2 Type articles and prepositions in lowercase.

Articles include words such as "a," "an," and "the." Words such as "against," "in," and "to." Note that these words remain in lowercase regardless of their length.

Step 3 Distinguish coordinating conjunctions from subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating conjunctions include words such as "and," "but," "for," and "nor."
Subordinating conjunctions include words such as "after," "although," because," "unless," and "until."

Step 4 Capitalize all other words in titles.

Example: Storytelling and Mythmaking: Images from Film and Literature

Tip: If you have doubts about the parts of speech of the words in a title, you can check your capitalization using free capitalization checkers available online.

Step 5 Use sentence style for titles in languages other than English.

Capitalize all words that would be capitalized in the language the title is written in. For example, since all nouns are capitalized in German, you would capitalize all nouns in a German book title.

Punctuating Titles

Step 1 Include punctuation that is part of the title or subtitle.

For example, if a title ends in an exclamation point or a question mark, you would include that punctuation mark at the end of the title. The punctuation mark should be italicized so that your readers understand that it's part of the title, not part of your punctuation.
If the book title ends in a question mark or an exclamation point, it's typically not a good idea to use that title at the end of a sentence, because then the punctuation mark at the end of the book title effectively becomes the punctuation mark for the end of your sentence. Recast your sentence so that the book title doesn't fall at the end of the sentence.

Step 2 Separate a subtitle from a title with a colon and a space.

There is an exception if the book title includes another book title, and the included book title ends in a question mark or exclamation point. Since that punctuation mark belongs to the included book title, you would follow that punctuation mark with a colon. For example: Moby Dick and Absalom, Absalom! : Two American Masterpieces Note that the colon is italicized.

Step 3 Place a period or comma after a title ending in a dash or ellipsis.

For example, you might write: "In the 1980s sitcom When Harry Met Sally. . . , the characters examined whether heterosexual cisgender men and women could be friends without ever becoming romantically or sexually involved."
Note that you'll have to form your sentence so that either a comma or a period is appropriate following the ellipsis or a dash.

Tip: Although it might be difficult for the average person to tell whether a punctuation mark such as a comma or period is italicized, technically any punctuation added to the end of the title should not be italicized.

Step 4 Use a semi-colon and the word or to separate alternate titles.

For example: England's Monitor; or, The History of Separation . Note that the "or" and all punctuation are also italicized.
Generally, list the original or oldest title first, followed by any later title.

Step 5 Add the serial comma if necessary for books published in the US.

For example, since the book Everything Is Nothing: The Poetry of the Great War, Revolution and the Transformation of Europe was published in London, the serial comma would not be added. However, if the book were published in the US, you would add a comma after the word "Revolution."

Expert Q&A

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Annaliese Dunne .

↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_about_literature/formatting.html
↑ https://style.mla.org/punctuation-with-titles/
↑ https://style.mla.org/trilogy-titles/
↑ https://style.mla.org/full-names-titles-in-each-chapter/
↑ https://secondary.oslis.org/cite-sources/mla/how-to-capitalize-and-punctuate-titles
↑ https://style.mla.org/capitalization-of-titles/
↑ https://irsc.libguides.com/c.php?g=483085&p=3303403
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Q. How do I refer to a book by title in-text in APA format?

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Answered By: Gabe Gossett Last Updated: Jun 22, 2023 Views: 636199

The basic format for an in-text citation is: Title of the Book (Author Last Name, year).

One author: Where the Wild Things Are (Sendak, 1963) is a depiction of a child coping with his anger towards his mom.

Two authors (cite both names every time): Brabant and Mooney (1986) have used the comic strip to examine evidence of sex role stereotyping. OR The comic strip has been used to examine evidence of sex role stereotyping (Brabant & Mooney, 1986).

Three or more authors (cite the first author plus et al.): Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Clare et al., 2016) depicts a young man's experience at the Shadowhunter Academy, a place where being a former vampire is looked down upon.OR Clare et al. (2016) have crafted a unique story about a young man's journey to find himself.

No author: Cite the first few words of the reference entry (usually the title) and the year. Use double quotation marks around the title of an article or chapter, and italicize the title of a periodical, book, brochure, or report. Examples: From the book Study Guide (2000) ... or ("Reading," 1999).

Note: Titles of periodicals, books, brochures, or reports should be in italics and use normal title capitalization rules.

If you are citing multiple sources by multiple authors in-text, you can list all of them by the author's last name and year of publication within the same set of parentheses, separated by semicolons.

Example: (Adams, 1999; Jones & James, 2000; Miller, 1999)

For more information on how to cite books in-text and as a reference entry, see the APA Publication Manual (7th edition) Section 10.2 on pages 321-325 .

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Comments (13)

This was very useful for me! I was having a really hard time finding information on how to mention an article title AND the author in text in APA so this was very helpful!!! by Ryan Waddell on Jun 27, 2019
If I just mention that I used a book to teach a topic do I have to include it in the reference list? by Franw on Oct 17, 2019
@Franw, if it is a source that informs your paper in any way, or if your reader would have reason to look it up, then you should include a full reference list entry for the book. by Gabe [Research & Writing Studio] on Oct 18, 2019
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the question, but I think the OP is asking how to refer to a book title, not how to cite one. I believe APA uses quotation marks around book titles and MLA uses italics. by AB on Dec 12, 2019
@AB: The first sentence has been tweaked to clarify title of book usage, reflecting the examples given. For APA style you should use italics for book titles. It would be quotation marks. by Gabe [Research & Writing Studio] on Dec 12, 2019
Hi, can any one help me with in-text-citation of this, how can i cite it in the text Panel, I. L. (2002). Digital transformation: A framework for ICT literacy. Educational Testing Service, 1-53. by Milad on Aug 20, 2021
@Milad: In that case it would be (Panel, 2002). If you are quoting, or otherwise choosing to include page numbers, put a comma after the year, then p. and the page number(s). by Gabe Gossett on Aug 20, 2021
Hey, I'm a little bit curious, what if I'm mentioning a book and paraphrasing it but still want to give credit. Would I put the information into parenthesis instead? Like: Paraphrased info. ("Title in Italics" Author, year) by Kai on Sep 14, 2023
@Kai: Apologies for not seeing your question sooner! (Our academic year has not started yet). If I am understanding your question correctly, what I suggest is referring to the book title in the narrative of your writing, rather than in the in-text citation. I do not see an examples of using a book title in an in-text citation except for rare circumstances including citing a classic religious text or using the title when there is no author information because it is the start of your reference list entry. Basically, APA's in-text convention is supposed to make it easy for your reader to locate the source being cited in the reference list. So the first part of the in-text citation, usually authors, comes first to locate it alphabetically. Putting the book title first when you have an author name can throw that off. by Gabe Gossett on Sep 21, 2023
Perhaps this is along the lines of the response to Kai - Can you reference a book title as a common point of social understanding to demonstrate a common concept? Is official citing required if you use widely known titles such as "Where's Waldo" and "Who Moved My Cheese?" to make a point of illustration? by Chez Renee on Sep 30, 2023
@Chez: Aside from some classical religious texts, if it is a published book, I'd try to make sure that it is appropriately cited for APA style. That said, I think I understand where it gets tricky with things like Where's Waldo, since that is a series of books and stating "Where's Waldo" is a cultural reference many people would understand, though you can't reasonably cite the entire series. I don't believe that APA gives guidance for this particular issue. If it is being referred to in order to back up a claim, it would help to cite a particular book. If not, then it might work to use a statement such as, "Hanford's Where's Waldo series . . ." by Gabe Gossett on Oct 02, 2023
How to cite a dissertation thesis in apa form? by Elizabeth on Feb 05, 2024
@Elizabeth: For citing a dissertation or thesis you can check out our page answering that here https://askus.library.wwu.edu/faq/153308 by Gabe Gossett on Feb 05, 2024

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MLA Guide 9th ed.

Formatting the Author and Title
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Last Updated: Apr 9, 2024 8:03 AM

Academic Essay Writing Made Simple: 4 types and tips

The pen is mightier than the sword, they say, and nowhere is this more evident than in academia. From the quick scribbles of eager students to the inquisitive thoughts of renowned scholars, academic essays depict the power of the written word. These well-crafted writings propel ideas forward and expand the existing boundaries of human intellect.

What is an Academic Essay

An academic essay is a nonfictional piece of writing that analyzes and evaluates an argument around a specific topic or research question. It serves as a medium to share the author’s views and is also used by institutions to assess the critical thinking, research skills, and writing abilities of a students and researchers.

Importance of Academic Essays

4 main types of academic essays.

While academic essays may vary in length, style, and purpose, they generally fall into four main categories. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal: to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

1. Expository Essay

2. Descriptive Essay

3. Narrative Essay

4. Argumentative Essay

Expository and persuasive essays mainly deal with facts to explain ideas clearly. Narrative and descriptive essays are informal and have a creative edge. Despite their differences, these essay types share a common goal ― to convey information, insights, and perspectives effectively.

Expository Essays: Illuminating ideas

An expository essay is a type of academic writing that explains, illustrates, or clarifies a particular subject or idea. Its primary purpose is to inform the reader by presenting a comprehensive and objective analysis of a topic.

By breaking down complex topics into digestible pieces and providing relevant examples and explanations, expository essays allow writers to share their knowledge.

What are the Key Features of an Expository Essay

Provides factual information without bias

Presents multiple viewpoints while maintaining objectivity

Uses direct and concise language to ensure clarity for the reader

Composed of a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion

When is an expository essay written.

1. For academic assignments to evaluate the understanding of research skills.

2. As instructional content to provide step-by-step guidance for tasks or problem-solving.

3. In journalism for objective reporting in news or investigative pieces.

4. As a form of communication in the professional field to convey factual information in business or healthcare.

How to Write an Expository Essay

Expository essays are typically structured in a logical and organized manner.

1. Topic Selection and Research

Choose a topic that can be explored objectively
Gather relevant facts and information from credible sources
Develop a clear thesis statement

2. Outline and Structure

Create an outline with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
Introduce the topic and state the thesis in the introduction
Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific point supporting the thesis
Use transitions to maintain a logical flow

3. Objective and Informative Writing

Maintain an impartial and informative tone
Avoid personal opinions or biases
Support points with factual evidence, examples, and explanations

4. Conclusion

Summarize the key points
Reinforce the significance of the thesis

Descriptive Essays: Painting with words

Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer ‘s lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience . Its primary purpose is to engage readers’ senses and imagination.

It allows writers to demonstrate their ability to observe and describe subjects with precision and creativity.

What are the Key Features of Descriptive Essay

Employs figurative language and imagery to paint a vivid picture for the reader

Demonstrates creativity and expressiveness in narration

Includes close attention to detail, engaging the reader’s senses

Engages the reader’s imagination and emotions through immersive storytelling using analogies, metaphors, similes, etc.

When is a descriptive essay written.

1. Personal narratives or memoirs that describe significant events, people, or places.

2. Travel writing to capture the essence of a destination or experience.

3. Character sketches in fiction writing to introduce and describe characters.

4. Poetry or literary analyses to explore the use of descriptive language and imagery.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

The descriptive essay lacks a defined structural requirement but typically includes: an introduction introducing the subject, a thorough description, and a concluding summary with insightful reflection.

1. Subject Selection and Observation

Choose a subject (person, place, object, or experience) to describe
Gather sensory details and observations

2. Engaging Introduction

Set the scene and provide the context
Use of descriptive language and figurative techniques

3. Descriptive Body Paragraphs

Focus on specific aspects or details of the subject
Engage the reader ’s senses with vivid imagery and descriptions
Maintain a consistent tone and viewpoint

4. Impactful Conclusion

Provide a final impression or insight
Leave a lasting impact on the reader

Narrative Essays: Storytelling in Action

Narrative essays are personal accounts that tell a story, often drawing from the writer’s own experiences or observations. These essays rely on a well-structured plot, character development, and vivid descriptions to engage readers and convey a deeper meaning or lesson.

What are the Key features of Narrative Essays

Written from a first-person perspective and hence subjective

Based on real personal experiences

Uses an informal and expressive tone

Presents events and characters in sequential order

When is a narrative essay written.

It is commonly assigned in high school and college writing courses to assess a student’s ability to convey a meaningful message or lesson through a personal narrative. They are written in situations where a personal experience or story needs to be recounted, such as:

1. Reflective essays on significant life events or personal growth.

2. Autobiographical writing to share one’s life story or experiences.

3. Creative writing exercises to practice narrative techniques and character development.

4. College application essays to showcase personal qualities and experiences.

How to Write a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays typically follow a chronological structure, with an introduction that sets the scene, a body that develops the plot and characters, and a conclusion that provides a sense of resolution or lesson learned.

1. Experience Selection and Reflection

Choose a significant personal experience or event
Reflect on the impact and deeper meaning

2. Immersive Introduction

Introduce characters and establish the tone and point of view

3. Plotline and Character Development

Advance the plot and character development through body paragraphs
Incorporate dialog , conflict, and resolution
Maintain a logical and chronological flow

4. Insightful Conclusion

Reflect on lessons learned or insights gained
Leave the reader with a lasting impression

Argumentative Essays: Persuasion and Critical Thinking

Argumentative essays are the quintessential form of academic writing in which writers present a clear thesis and support it with well-researched evidence and logical reasoning. These essays require a deep understanding of the topic, critical analysis of multiple perspectives, and the ability to construct a compelling argument.

What are the Key Features of an Argumentative Essay?

Logical and well-structured arguments

Credible and relevant evidence from reputable sources

Consideration and refutation of counterarguments

Critical analysis and evaluation of the issue

When is an argumentative essay written.

Argumentative essays are written to present a clear argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. In academic settings they are used to develop critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing skills. However, argumentative essays can also be written in various other contexts, such as:

1. Opinion pieces or editorials in newspapers, magazines, or online publications.

2. Policy proposals or position papers in government, nonprofit, or advocacy settings.

3. Persuasive speeches or debates in academic, professional, or competitive environments.

4. Marketing or advertising materials to promote a product, service, or idea.

How to write an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays begin with an introduction that states the thesis and provides context. The body paragraphs develop the argument with evidence, address counterarguments, and use logical reasoning. The conclusion restates the main argument and makes a final persuasive appeal.

Choose a debatable and controversial issue
Conduct thorough research and gather evidence and counterarguments

2. Thesis and Introduction

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement
Provide background information and establish importance

3. Structured Body Paragraphs

Focus each paragraph on a specific aspect of the argument
Support with logical reasoning, factual evidence, and refutation

4. Persuasive Techniques

Adopt a formal and objective tone
Use persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, analogies, appeals)

5. Impactful Conclusion

Summarize the main points
Leave the reader with a strong final impression and call to action

To learn more about argumentative essay, check out this article .

5 Quick Tips for Researchers to Improve Academic Essay Writing Skills

Use clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively without unnecessary words

Use well-researched, credible sources to substantiate your arguments with data, expert opinions, and scholarly references

Ensure a coherent structure with effective transitions, clear topic sentences, and a logical flow to enhance readability

To elevate your academic essay, consider submitting your draft to a community-based platform like Open Platform for editorial review

Review your work multiple times for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic guidelines to ensure a polished final product

By mastering the art of academic essay writing, researchers and scholars can effectively communicate their ideas, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and engage in meaningful scholarly discourse.

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This is a grid showing parts of nine book covers.

The Best Books of the Year (So Far)

The nonfiction and novels we can’t stop thinking about.

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By The New York Times Books Staff

May 24, 2024

Fiction | Nonfiction

We’re almost halfway through 2024 and we at The Book Review have already written about hundreds of books. Some of those titles are good. Some are very good. And then there are the following.

We suspect that some (though certainly not all) will be top of mind when we publish our end-of-year, best-of lists. For more thoughts on what to read next, head to our book recommendation page .

The cover of “James” is black. The title is in yellow, and the author’s name is in white.

James , by Percival Everett

In this reworking of the “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck down the Mississippi River, is the narrator, and he recounts the classic tale in a language that is his own, with surprising details that reveal a far more resourceful, cunning and powerful character than we knew.

Local bookstores | Barnes and Noble | Amazon

Good Material , by Dolly Alderton

Alderton’s novel, about a 35-year-old struggling to make sense of a breakup, delivers the most delightful aspects of romantic comedy — snappy dialogue, realistic relationship dynamics, funny meet-cutes and misunderstandings — and leaves behind clichéd gender roles and the traditional marriage plot.

Martyr! , by Kaveh Akbar

A young Iranian American aspiring poet and recovering addict grieves his parents’ deaths while fantasizing about his own in Akbar’s remarkable first novel, which, haunted by death, also teems with life — in the inventive beauty of its sentences, the vividness of its characters and the surprising twists of its plot.

The Hunter , by Tana French

For Tana French fans, every one of the thriller writer’s twisty, ingenious books is an event. This one, a sequel to “The Searcher,” once again sees the retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper, a perennial outsider in the Irish west-country hamlet of Ardnakelty, caught up in the crimes — seen and unseen — that eat at the seemingly picturesque village.

Wandering Stars , by Tommy Orange

This follow-up to Orange’s debut, “There There,” is part prequel and part sequel; it trails the young survivor of a 19th-century massacre of Native Americans, chronicling not just his harsh fate but those of his descendants. In its second half, the novel enters 21st-century Oakland, following the family in the aftermath of a shooting.

Headshot , by Rita Bullwinkel

Set at a women’s boxing tournament in Reno, Nev., this novel centers on eight contestants, and the fights — physical and emotional — they bring to the ring. As our critic wrote: This story’s impact “lasts a long time, like a sharp fist to your shoulder.”

Beautyland , by Marie-Helene Bertino

In 1970s Philadelphia, an alien girl sent to Earth before she’s born communicates with her fellow life-forms via fax as she helps gather intel about whether our planet is habitable. This funny-sad novel follows the girl and her single mother as they find the means to persevere.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder , by Salman Rushdie

In his candid, plain-spoken and gripping new memoir, Rushdie recalls the attempted assassination he survived in 2022 during a presentation about keeping the world’s writers safe from harm. His attacker had piranhic energy. He also had a knife. Rushdie lost an eye, but he has slowly recovered thanks to the attentive care of doctors and the wife he celebrates here.

Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis , by Jonathan Blitzer

This urgent and propulsive account of Latin American politics and immigration makes a persuasive case for a direct line from U.S. foreign policy in Central America to the current migrant crisis.

The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook , by Hampton Sides

By the time he made his third Pacific voyage, the British explorer James Cook had maybe begun to lose it a little. The scientific aims of his first two trips had shifted into something darker. According to our reviewer, the historian Hampton Sides “isn’t just interested in retelling an adventure tale. He also wants to present it from a 21st-century point of view. ‘The Wide Wide Sea’ fits neatly into a growing genre that includes David Grann’s ‘ The Wager ’ and Candice Millard’s ‘ River of the Gods ,’ in which famous expeditions, once told as swashbuckling stories of adventure, are recast within the tragic history of colonialism .”

The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon , by Adam Shatz

This absorbing biography of the Black psychiatrist, writer and revolutionary Frantz Fanon highlights a side of him that’s often eclipsed by his image as a zealous partisan — that of the caring doctor, who ran a secret clinic for Algerian rebels.

Fi: A Memoir , by Alexandra Fuller

In her fifth memoir, Fuller describes the sudden death of her 21-year-old son. Devastating as this elegant and honest account may be — it’s certainly not for the faint of heart — it also leaves the reader with a sense of having known a lovely and lively young man.

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John S. Jacobs was a fugitive, an abolitionist — and the brother of the canonical author Harriet Jacobs. Now, his own fierce autobiography has re-emerged .

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Jenny Erpenbeck’s “ Kairos ,” a novel about a torrid love affair in the final years of East Germany, won the International Booker Prize , the renowned award for fiction translated into English.

Kevin Kwan, the author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” left Singapore’s opulent, status-obsessed, upper crust when he was 11. He’s still writing about it .

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A book about books, for book sort of people

I f you’re a book sort of a person, you are really going to enjoy this book, which is a book about books, by a book sort of a person for book sort of people: Nicholas Royle is fast becoming the bibliophile’s bibliophile, the general readers’ Nicholas Basbanes. (Basbanes is the author of the as-yet-unsurpassed A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books, published in 1995, and a must-read for all book collectors, would-be-collectors, or indeed anyone weary with the collectors in their lives. If you think you’re bad, read Basbanes.)

In 2021 Royle published White Spines: Confessions of a Book Collector, about his quest to collect all of the handsome white-spined Picadors published between 1972 and 2000. Shadow Lines might have well subtitled More Confessions of a Book Collector. It begins: “I said to my publisher that I wanted to do a follow-up to White Spines. He said, Sure, go ahead, but make sure it doesn’t feel too much like a follow-up.” It feels exactly like a follow-up, but not in a bad way.

Royle admits that he was considering whether to just stick with his whole white spine shtick and write a book about his hunt for the white-spined King Penguins published between 1981 and 1987, and the white-spined Sceptre paperbacks published between 1986 and 1994 – because, of course, he collects them too. Instead, Shadow Lines is about books in general. It’s about reading while walking, and the Penguin Modern Stories series of anthologies, and the Thomas the Tank engine illustrator C Reginald Dalby, and the bookish work of the artist Mike Nelson, and about books in films, and unread books, and books in dreams, and overheard conversations in bookshops. It is essentially a collection of good old-fashioned, rambling, bookish reminiscences.

But it’s mostly about the “inclusions” that Royle finds in various second-hand books. The title derives from Royle’s eccentric habit of seeking out those books in second-hand bookshops distinguished by what he calls “shadow lines”, the tell-tale mark at the top edge of a book that indicates someone has left something inside – a bus ticket, a postcard, a drawing, anything. While the rest of us might toss away such dreck, Royle cherishes his finds, and indeed does his utmost to reunite them with their original owners, or at least to discover their identity. As you can imagine, this results in some charming and rather peculiar encounters.

If Royle finds a phone number in a book, for example, he promptly calls it, including the number for a “Guardroom”, found in his copy of Standard Arabic, purchased at the Oxfam Bookshop in Herne Hill, alongside a number of inclusions, comprising a map of Cairo, some pages of cryptic notes and instructions, and a list of names which included “the nom de guerre of one of Osama Bin Laden’s twelve bodyguards”. He rings the number, of course: the conversation does not last long.

Even if his sleuthing doesn’t lead him very far, Royle at least googles the names of any previous owners inscribed on a book’s flyleaf or inside cover. Thus, when he buys a second-hand copy of Italo Calvino’s Cosmicomics, and discovers that it once belonged to a Bernard Filson, he does his due diligence: “A retired stockbroker, Bernard Filson sailed his yacht around the world, before returning to this family’s holiday home in the Cumbrian village of Boot and subsequently making Boot his permanent home. Singing in a local choir, taking art classes and becoming a church warden […] In 2007, he was involved in a serious four-vehicle accident on the A595 and died at the scene, leaving a son, two daughters, a brother and a granddaughter.” Bernard is now immortalised on the pages of Shadow Lines.

“My search for inclusions,” explains Royle, “for names of former owners, for phone numbers and email addresses, is not only a fishing expedition but also a reaching-out.” That reaching-out is also sometimes a case of bumping-into. Shadow Lines contains many tales of Royle’s encounters while out reading and walking. Strolling around south Manchester one day, reading Alberto Moravia’s The Voyeur, he wanders past several members of the South Manchester Muslim Walking Group and gets into conversation about books with a woman called Amina: they now follow each other on Instagram.

Among the many detours in the book, Royle recalls having been taught English at Manchester Grammar School by Peter Anthony Scott Farquhar, the man who was murdered by his lover, Ben Field, the tragic story recently dramatised on television as The Sixth Commandment . Shadow Lines very much celebrates the world of books – but it also serves as a poignant reminder of the shadow that eventually falls upon us all.

Shadow Lines is published by Salt at £10.99. To order your copy for £9.99, call 0844 871 1514 or visit Telegraph Books

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The Leaving Season: A Memoir in Essays

Kelly mcmasters. norton, $16.99 trade paper (310p) isbn 978-1-324-07605-6.

Reviewed on: 05/16/2024

Genre: Nonfiction

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Books We Love

20 new books hitting shelves this summer that our critics can't wait to read.

Meghan Collins Sullivan

Illustration of a person lying down and reading in the grass.

June is around the corner, meaning summer is almost here! As we look forward to travel and staycations, plane rides and trips to the beach, we've asked our book critics for some advice: What upcoming fiction and nonfiction are they most looking forward to reading?

Their picks range from memoirs to sci-fi and fantasy to translations, love stories and everything in between. Here's a look:

Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope

I was hooked when I first saw the gorgeous cover for Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope. But the novel's premise put it at the top of my summer reading list. Penelope is known for unforgettable characters, world-building, beautiful writing and robust storytelling. Her latest work, inspired by actual events — the drowned Black towns of the American South — promises a magical, mythical and powerful tale of a young woman's quest to save her town. A historical fantasy must-read. (June 4) — Denny Bryce

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The Future Was Color by Patrick Nathan

The Future Was Color by Patrick Nathan has everything I look for in a book: a unique and startling voice, a queer protagonist and a deep understanding of a particular time and place. George — once György — is a gay Hungarian immigrant working as a screenwriter in McCarthy-era Hollywood, occasionally fantasizing about his officemate, Jack. When a once-famous actress named Madeline invites George to stay and write at her spacious Malibu house, she won't take no for an answer — and so George finds himself in a hedonistic milieu where pleasure, politics and strong personalities intermingle. (June 4) — Ilana Masad

Mirrored Heavens: Between Earth & Sky, Book 3 by Rebecca Roanhorse

Rebecca Roanhorse is one of my auto-read authors — and one major reason is because of her fire Between Earth and Sky series. That trilogy comes to a stunning, fevered conclusion with Mirrored Heavens . All of the characters you love, hate and love to hate will converge on the city of Tova. Get ready for an epic battle between ancient gods, their human avatars and the mortals caught in between. (June 4) — Alex Brown

Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water by Amorina Kingdon

You may know about 52 Blue , whose vocalizations likely go unheard by some other whales; it captured worldwide sympathy and became a pop-culture metaphor. But did you know all whale song is critically disrupted by ships? If that gets you wondering, keep an eye out for Sing Like Fish , which promises to illuminate the fragile symphony of the deep. (June 4) — Genevieve Valentine

Consent: A Memoir by Jill Ciment

I look forward to reading Jill Ciment's Consent and to the discussions it's sure to provoke. In this follow-up memoir to Half a Life, Ciment reconsiders what she wrote 25 years ago about her teenage affair and marriage to her art teacher, 30 years her senior. Half a Life was written before the #MeToo movement, and before her husband died at the age of 93 after 45 years of marriage. Consent promises a fuller picture. (June 11) — Heller McAlpin

Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton

As we continue to experience the frenzy of Harlem Renaissance celebrations, commemorations and historical resonance, Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton is the perfect addition to the litany of works set in this artistic period this year. It examines the intense and frequently degenerating relationship between patrons and artists during this intellectual and cultural movement. In this dual-timeline gothic thriller, a modern writer discovers a family heirloom painting by a Harlem Renaissance artist, which connects her family to a mysterious past. This historical novel is one I'm eager to read because it deftly exposes the layers of creative ownership, especially when race and wealth are involved. (June 11) — Keishel Williams

Horror Movie: A Novel by Paul Tremblay

Paul Tremblay is one of the most entertaining and innovative voices in contemporary fiction regardless of genre. Horror Movie , a story about a cursed movie that never came out and is about to get a remake, is a love letter to horror novels and horror movies, as well as a tense narrative that will redefine the cursed film subgenre. Tremblay is one of the modern masters of horror, and this new novel promises to be packed with the author's distinctive voice, knack for ambiguity and intrigue, and superb atmosphere. (June 11) — Gabino Iglesias

Cue The Sun! The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum

Every so often there's a nonfiction title I covet like it's the next installment in my favorite mystery series. This summer it's Cue the Sun! Based on in-depth interviews with more than 300 sources from every aspect of the production process, this book is a cultural history of the genre that ate American entertainment, from New Yorker critic Emily Nussbaum. It combines the appeal of a page-turning thriller and the heft of serious scholarship. Juicy and thoughtful, it's a must-read for anyone interested in television or popular culture. (June 25) — Carole V. Bell

The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen

In this return to the delightfully wacky world established in one of my personal top-five romance novels of all time, The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy , Megan Bannen takes on the friends to lovers trope with a combination of madcap joie de vivre and the exhausted practicality of a mom who's had enough. Also, there are dragons! (July 2) — Caitlyn Paxson

The Anthropologists by Ayşegül Savaş

I am eagerly awaiting Ayşegül Savaş' The Anthropologists . Born in Istanbul, Savaş has lived in England, Denmark and the U.S. also and now resides in France; in this novel she takes up themes of cultural migration through focus on a young couple seeking an apartment in a foreign city. I'm intrigued to discover how Savaş gifts her characters with an anthropological lens of exploration. (July 9) — Barbara J. King

Elevator in Saigon by Thuân, translated by Nguyen An Lý

Elevator in Saigon is a literal and structural exquisite corpse , capturing Vietnam's eventful period from 1954 to 2004. Mimicking an elevator's movement, the novel heightens our yearning for romance and mystery, while unflinchingly exposing such narrative shaft. Channeling Marguerite Duras and Patrick Modiano, the book also offers a dead-on tour of a society cunningly leaping from one ideological mode to the next. As if challenging Rick's parting words to Ilsa in Casablanca , Thuận's sophomore novel in English implies that geopolitical debacles might have been mitigated if personal relations were held in more elevated regard than "a hill of beans." (July 9) — Thúy Đinh

Goodnight Tokyo by Atsuhiro Yoshida, translated by Haydn Trowell

Atsuhiro Yoshida's Goodnight Tokyo begins with a film company procurer who's tasked with finding fresh kumquats for a production. From there, interlinked tales of Tokyo residents unspool in unpredictable directions. Characters range from a cabdriver to a star of a detective TV series who might be an actual detective. Readers will be reminded of Jim Jarmusch's 1991 movie Night on Earth , which also takes place in the wee hours of the morning and threads together the stories of strangers. (July 9) — Leland Cheuk

Navola: A novel by Paolo Bacigalupi

I love when a beloved author — especially one known mostly for a certain type of book — throws us a daring curveball. Navola is exactly such a pitch. Paolo Bacigalupi, who has won pretty much every major award in the science-fiction field with his climate-conscious dystopianism, is veering hard left with his new novel. It doesn't take place in the future, and it isn't a cautionary tale. Instead, it's a hefty tome of high fantasy set in a dreamed-up world akin to Renaissance Florence. Only with, you guessed it, dragons. But also high finance, political intrigue, and de' Medici-esque opulence. Bacigalupi is one of today's most gripping spinners of speculative fiction, and I can't wait to dive into this surprising magical foray. (July 9) — Jason Heller

The Lucky Ones: A Memoir by Zara Chowdhary

In 2002, two train carriages were set on fire in Gujarat, India. Within three weeks, more than 2,000 Muslims were murdered in response by Hindu mobs. By the end of the year, more than 50,000 Muslims became refugees in their own country. The Lucky Ones is a unique memoir in English of this largest-ever massacre in independent India . It is also about a communal crisis bringing a fractured family together. A must-read in our warring world today. (July 16) — Jenny Bhatt

Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist by Jasmin Graham

Author Jasmin Graham is a marine biologist specializing in smalltooth sawfish and hammerhead sharks. Who are the real sharks in this story? Graham had to face the sharp-teethed truths of academia, while creating a world of curiosity and discovery around the complex lives of sharks. To combat the racism she encountered in academia, Graham created an "ocean of her own" to become an independent scientist and a champion of social justice, a journey she unspools in this new memoir. (July 16) — Martha Ann Toll

Liars by Sarah Manguso

I have long been a fan of Sarah Manguso's crystalline prose, from her fragmented illness memoir The Two Kinds of Decay to her tightly constrained 2022 novel Very Cold People . Her second novel , Liars , marries restraint with rage — in it, Manguso traces the full arc of a 15-year relationship between Jane, a successful writer, and John, a dilettante artist-cum-techie, in aphoristic vignettes. The result is a furious, propulsive meditation on wifehood, motherhood and artistic ambition. (July 23) — Kristen Martin

The Horse: A Novel by Willy Vlautin

Musician and Lean on Pete author Willy Vlautin captures the American West like few other writers. His prose is always excellent, his characters always beautifully drawn, and that promises to be the case with his next novel, about an isolated Nevada man in his 60s who is visited by a blind horse that refuses to leave. (July 30) — Michael Schaub

Einstein in Kafkaland: How Albert Fell Down the Rabbit Hole and Came Up With the Universe by Ken Krimstein

Art and science collide in Ken Krimstein's new graphic biography . In this book, the author of the brilliant and whimsical The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt similarly translates careful research into scenic, emotive comics — in this case tracking the potential effects of an adventitious meeting in Prague between two geniuses on the cusp of world-changing discoveries. (Aug. 20) — Tahneer Oksman

Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde by Alexis Pauline Gumbs

I'd probably be interested in a new biography of Audre Lorde if it focused on the eating habits of the brilliant thinker, poet, feminist and activist. But biographer Alexis Pauline Gumbs promises to more than exceed that bar. An award-winning poet, writer, feminist and activist in her own right, Gumbs is among the first researchers to delve into Lorde's manuscript archives. The resulting book highlights the late author's commitment to interrogating what it means to survive on this planet — and how Lorde's radical understanding of ecology can guide us today. (Aug. 20) — Ericka Taylor

Et Cetera: An Illustrated Guide to Latin Phrases by Maia Lee-Chin, illustrated by Marta Bertello

To those claiming Latin is dead, I say res ipsa loquitur — the thing speaks for itself — in children's cartoons , Hollywood cartoons and enduring epics . As a fan of both Mr. Peabody and the Muses, the idea of combining Maia Lee-Chin's thoughtful scholarship and Marta Bertello's dynamic artistry is captivating. Their new book reimagines the world of Latin's invention and tops my summer reading list. (Aug. 27) — Marcela Davison Avilés

summer books

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3 Simple Ways to Write Book Titles in MLA
3 Simple Ways to Write Book Titles in MLA
How To Write A Book Title In An Essay
3 Simple Ways to Write Book Titles in MLA
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay
How To Write A Book Title In An Essay Mla Format : How to write a book

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How to Write Book Titles in Your Essays
As a general rule, you should set titles of longer works in italics, and titles of shorter works go in quotation marks. Longer works include books, journals, TV shows, albums, plays, etc. Here's an example of a book mention: Sense and Sensibility, published in 1811, was Jane Austen's first novel. Shorter works include poems, articles ...
How to Write a Book Title in Essay [Examples]
Use capital letters to write the title of the novel. For example, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Use italics and capital letters to write the name of the author and his/her other works mentioned in a book title—for example, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice (1813). You should use quotation marks when writing headings of short ...
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: Rules and Tips
Capitalize the first word of titles of books in papers, the first word after a colon, and all major words. Avoid capitalizing minor words (e.g., articles, prepositions, conjunctions) unless they are the first word of the name or longer than four letters. Always place the book title after the author's name.
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay in MLA & APA Styles
4. In-text Citation: Whenever you reference a book title within your essay, it's essential to provide an in-text citation to acknowledge the source. This citation typically includes the author's last name and the publication year in parentheses. For example, you might write, "In the novel '1984' (Orwell, 1949)…". 5.
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay (MLA, APA etc.)
Heart of Darkness ). Place the name of a single chapter in quote marks, instead ("The Great Towns" from Condition of the Working Class in England by Friedrich Engels). APA. Italicize the book title. Capitalize the first letter, the first letter of a subtitle, and proper nouns.
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
When citing a book title within the text of your paper, use title case and italicize it. When including book titles in your reference list, use sentence case and italicize it. Example 3: Punctuation. Here's an example of proper punctuation and citation within the text and reference list: In-text citation.
How to Write Book Titles in Essays: APA, MLA, Chicago Styles
How to Write the Title of a Book in an Essay. First, remember the general rules of citing book names in academic works. Here's how to cite books in essays: Use capitalization. Every word of a book's name goes in the title case, except prepositions, articles, and coordinating conjunctions.
How To Write Book Titles The Proper Way: A Complete Guide For Writers
Book titles within essays or papers can be tricky. There are specific rules that are given for how to include a book title in a way that sets it apart from the content of your writing given by the Modern Language Association. However, as with many other things in life, there are exceptions to the rules. ...
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: A Simple Guide
When citing a non-fiction book, use the same format as you would for a fictional work. Italicize the book title in the text and the Works Cited entry. Include the author's name, book title (in italics), publisher, year of publication, and medium of publication. For instance:
How to Write a Book Title in Your Essay: Academic Formatting 101
Mastering the art of seamlessly integrating book titles in essays is a crucial skill for all writers. Navigating the complex landscape of various style guides, such as MLA, APA, Harvard, or Chicago, requires a deep understanding of formatting rules. Whether you are a student striving for precision in academic writing or an aspiring author ...
When Writing a Book Title in an Essay: The Perfect Formula
A: The perfect formula for writing a book title in an essay enhances the overall presentation of the work by demonstrating the author's attention to detail and adherence to academic or professional writing standards. Using the correct formatting also adds professionalism and credibility to the essay.
MLA Titles
Use quotation marks around the title if it is part of a larger work (e.g. a chapter of a book, an article in a journal, or a page on a website). All major words in a title are capitalized. The same format is used in the Works Cited list and in the text itself. When you use the Scribbr MLA Citation Generator, the correct formatting and ...
How to Write a Book Title in an Essay: Formatting Guide
Provide the author's full name, italicize the book title, the publishing place (for works older than 1900), the publisher, and the publication date. If the copy has several authors, you write the first author's surname and their name after a comma and then name other authors in the usual name-surname order.
When Writing the Title of a Book in an Essay: Best Practices
A: When writing the title of a book in an essay, it is important to follow some best practices to ensure correct formatting and citation. Concluding Remarks In summary, adopting best practices when writing the title of a book in an essay ensures clarity, consistency, and adherence to established guidelines.
APA Style
Use initials for the first and middle names of authors. Use one space between initials. All names are inverted (last name, first initial). Do not hyphenate a name unless it is hyphenated on the item. Separate the author's names with a comma and use the ampersand symbol "&" before the last author listed. Spell out the name of any organization ...
How to Write a Book Title in MLA Formatting
In MLA style, book titles are italicized, as so: Henry Thorough argues in Walden that the best life is lived in deliberate simplicity so as to discover what life truly is about. In fact, most style guides, including MLA and Chicago style, require book titles to be italicized, not underlined. If the book title has a subtitle, the subtitle should ...
How to Write the Title of a Book in an Essay
How to Write a Title of a Book in an Essay: Chicago Style. First published in 1906, The Chicago Manual of Style is a style guide for American English by the University of Chicago. Its current ...
3 Simple Ways to Write Book Titles in MLA
1. Italicize book titles in the text of your paper. Designate a book title as separate from the rest of your text by placing the complete title (and subtitle, if it has one) in italics. In contrast, shorter articles, essays, or chapters within the book are enclosed in quotation marks. [1]
How to Write Book Titles in an Essay
A reference to the book title may occur only once, but it gives the reader of your essay information about the subject of your discussion. ... In the case of a handwritten essay, the title of the book should be underlined. Novels, textbooks and anthologies should all be italicized, while portions of these books, including chapters, short ...
How do you write a book title in MLA?
If a source has no author, start the MLA Works Cited entry with the source title.Use a shortened version of the title in your MLA in-text citation.. If a source has no page numbers, you can use an alternative locator (e.g. a chapter number, or a timestamp for a video or audio source) to identify the relevant passage in your in-text citation. If the source has no numbered divisions, cite only ...
Q. How do I refer to a book by title in-text in APA format?
Jun 22, 2023 635516. The basic format for an in-text citation is: Title of the Book (Author Last Name, year). Examples. One author: Where the Wild Things Are (Sendak, 1963) is a depiction of a child coping with his anger towards his mom. Two authors (cite both names every time): Brabant and Mooney (1986) have used the comic strip to examine ...
Swisher Library: MLA Guide 9th ed.: Formatting the Author and Title
Formatting the Author. If no author given, skip the author and start with the title of source. Last Name, First Name. Smith, John. Last Name, First Name, and First Name Last Name. Smith, John, and Mary Fields. Use the name of the association or company as the author. If a work is written and published by an organization, list the organization ...
When writing an essay, should the book title be underlined, quoted, or
When you're writing an essay, make sure you italicize the book title instead of underlining, bolding, parentheses, or using quotation marks. Book titles are italicized. If you are using a ...
Types of Essays in Academic Writing
Descriptive Essays: Painting with words. Descriptive essays transport readers into vivid scenes, allowing them to experience the world through the writer 's lens. These essays use rich sensory details, metaphors, and figurative language to create a vivid and immersive experience. Its primary purpose is to engage readers' senses and imagination.
100 Years After Kafka's Death, People and Nations Are Still Fighting
Benjamin Balint is the author of "Kafka's Last Trial" and, most recently, "Bruno Schulz: An Artist, a Murder, and the Hijacking of History," winner of the National Jewish Book Award in ...
The Best Books of 2024 (So Far)
Good Material, by Dolly Alderton. Alderton's novel, about a 35-year-old struggling to make sense of a breakup, delivers the most delightful aspects of romantic comedy — snappy dialogue ...
A book about books, for book sort of people
The title derives from Royle's eccentric habit of seeking out those books in second-hand bookshops distinguished by what he calls "shadow lines", the tell-tale mark at the top edge of a book ...
The Leaving Season: A Memoir in Essays by Kelly McMasters
The Leaving Season: A Memoir in Essays Kelly McMasters. Norton, $16.99 trade paper (310p) ISBN 978-1-324-07605-6
What to read: Summer books to look forward to in 2024 : NPR
Mirrored Heavens: Between Earth & Sky, Book 3 by Rebecca Roanhorse. Rebecca Roanhorse is one of my auto-read authors — and one major reason is because of her fire Between Earth and Sky series ...
On GPS: 'It's not that I've gotten old. It's that your ideas are stupid
On GPS: 'It's not that I've gotten old. It's that your ideas are stupid,' Bill Maher says

How to Write Book Titles in Your Essays

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Importance of Properly Formatting Book Titles in Essays

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How to Write A BOOK Title In An Essay

Understanding Formatting Guidelines

Different style guides

Chicago Style

Consistency within the Essay

Determine the Appropriate Style Guide to Follow

Assignment Requirements

Academic Discipline

Formatting Book Titles in MLA Style

Capitalization

Punctuation

Edition and Volume Numbers

Translated Titles

Formatting Book Titles in APA Style

Formatting Book Titles in Chicago Style

Author-Date System

Italicization

Notes and Bibliography System

Citation of Book Titles in Other Situations

Book titles within quotations

Book Titles in Footnotes or Endnotes

Handling Foreign language book titles

Special Cases

Best Practices for Including Book Titles in Essays

Proofreading for Accuracy and Consistency

Seek Assistance from Style Guides or Writing Resources

Do I need to include book titles in my essay?