How to Cite a Book With Editor in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 01/18/2024

This article delves into the intricacies of citing books with editors in MLA format, unraveling the mysteries surrounding single, double, and even triple-editor scenarios.

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KEY ELEMENTS OF MLA CITATION FOR BOOKS WITH EDITORS

These elements provide a structured framework, allowing anyone reading the citation to locate the source with ease. 

The primary components include:

• Editor’s Details: MLA style handles cases with one editor, two editors working together, or even when there are many editors.
• Editor Labels: Label a single editor as ‘editor’ and multiple editors as ‘editors.’
• Book Title: Include the title of the book in italics.
• Version: If the book has an edition or version, include this information after the title.
• Publisher: State the name of the publisher.
• Publication Date: Specify the publication date of the book.
• DOI: If applicable, include the DOI, providing a permanent link to the online source.

CITING A BOOK WITH A SINGLE EDITOR

Citing a book with a single editor follows a straightforward pattern:

Citation	Harrington, Aira, editor. Exploring the Depths of Literature. 2nd ed., Academic Press, 2024.
Structure	Editor Surname, Editor First Name(s) &/or Initial(s), editor. Title of Book. Version, Publisher, Publication Date.

CITING A BOOK WITH TWO EDITORS

When a book contains two editors, the citation structure adjusts accordingly:

Citation	Dawson, Lesley, and Daniel Roberts, editors. Innovations in Science Education. 3rd ed., Springer, 2024.
Structure	Editor 1 Surname, Editor 1 First Name(s) &/or Initial(s), and Editor 2 First Name(s) &/or Initial(s) Editor 2 Surname, editors. Title of Book. Version, Publisher, Publication Date.

Verify the Editor’s Role: Before diving into the citation, ensure that the person mentioned is indeed an editor and not the author. Editors play a distinct role in shaping the content but may not be the original creators. Double-check this distinction to accurately label the individual as “editor” in your citation. Include the Right Edition Information: If the book has multiple editions, be sure to specify the correct version in your citation. MLA requires mentioning the edition after the book title. This information helps readers locate the exact source, especially if there have been updates, revisions, or changes between editions. Prioritize Relevant Publication Details: While MLA citation includes various elements like publisher, publication date, and DOI, prioritize the most relevant details. Focus on providing accurate information that directly aids others in locating the source. If a DOI is available, include it for online accessibility, but always prioritize information like the publisher and publication date.

CITING A BOOK WITH THREE OR MORE EDITORS

In cases with three or more editors, the citation format adapts as follows:

Citation	Lewis, Emily, et al., editors. Sociology: A Global Perspective. Oxford UP, 2024.
Structure	Editor 1 Surname, Editor 1 First Name(s) &/or Initial(s), et al., editors. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Date.

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