How to Cite Chapter in Edited Book in MLA

• Hannah Berry (Ph.D.)
• Published on 03/20/2024

Citing sources properly is crucial in academic writing. When citing a chapter from an edited book in MLA style, it’s important to follow a specific format. This article outlines the key citation elements and provides examples to help you cite accurately.

CITATION ELEMENTS OF CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK 

To cite a chapter from an edited book in MLA format, include the following elements in your citation:

• Chapter Author(s): Commence by acknowledging the authors of the respective chapters within the edited book. Include their names or organizations involved.
• Chapter Title: Enclose the title of the chapter in quotation marks.
• Book Title: Italicize the title of the book.
• Edited By: Indicate that the book has been edited by including “edited by” followed by the names of the editors.
• Version: If applicable, specify the edition of the book (e.g., 2nd ed., revised ed.).
• Publisher: Provide the name of the publisher.
• Publication Date: Include the year of publication.
• Page Extent: Specify the page numbers where the chapter appears in the book. For page numbers with three or four digits, the second number only needs two digits unless it extends into the next hundred or thousand.
• DOI: If available, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for the chapter.

Verify Authorship and Editorship: Before citing a chapter from an edited book, ensure you accurately identify the author of the chapter and the editors of the book. This may involve consulting the title page, copyright page, or table of contents to confirm authorship and editorship details. Include Edition Information When Applicable: If the book you are citing is not a first edition, include the edition information in your citation. This typically appears after the book title, indicating whether it is a second edition, revised edition, or another edition. Edition information helps readers locate the specific version of the book you are referencing. Provide DOI When Available: Whenever possible, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) for the chapter in your citation. DOIs are unique alphanumeric identifiers assigned to digital publications and provide a stable link to the source. Including DOIs in your citations facilitates accessibility and ensures that readers can easily locate the cited material online, if applicable. Check for Special Circumstances: Be mindful of any special circumstances surrounding the chapter you are citing. This could include additional contributors such as translators, if the chapter was originally written in another language, or collaborators if the chapter was co-authored. Ensure that all relevant contributors are appropriately acknowledged in your citation to provide accurate credit and context for the chapter.

EXAMPLE OF CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK

In this example, Louise Kahn authored the chapter “Exploring the Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems,” which is included in the book Environmental Challenges in the 21st Century, edited by Sarah Lowe. The book was published by GreenPress in 2024, and Kahn’s chapter spans pages 78 to 92.