Cite a Chapter in an Edited Ebook in MLA

• Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)
• Published on 09/06/2024

When citing a chapter in an edited ebook or audiobook using the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, it is essential to follow a structured format that accurately reflects the source details. The citation must provide clear and precise information, allowing readers to locate the source easily.

This article provides a detailed guide on how to cite a chapter from an edited ebook or audiobook, using a sample citation for illustration.

STRUCTURE ELEMENTS OF THE CITATION

This structure ensures that all necessary elements of the chapter and the book it is contained in are included in the citation. Each element is essential for providing a complete reference.

• Chapter Author: Begin by identifying the primary individuals, groups, or organizations responsible for the creation of the chapter or section.
• Chapter Title: The title of the chapter should be placed in quotation marks, with a period inside the closing quotation mark.
• Book Title: The title of the book in which the chapter appears should be italicized, followed by a comma.
• Edited: After the book title, include “edited by,” followed by the first editor’s name and surname. If there are multiple editors, use “et al.” after the first editor’s name.
• Version: Specify the version of the book if it is an edition, e-book, or audiobook. This information should be followed by a comma.
• Publisher: The publisher’s name follows, and it should be listed before the publication date.
• Publication Date: Include the year of publication, followed by a comma.
• Page Extent: If available, provide the page range of the chapter, preceded by “pp.” If page numbers are not available, use the chapter number instead.

EXAMPLE CITATION

Multiple Authors: When a chapter is authored by more than two contributors, the citation format simplifies the list of authors to avoid excessive length. In such cases, only the first author’s name is listed in full, followed by the abbreviation “et al.” This notation acknowledges the presence of additional authors without naming them all individually. Using “et al.” is a standard practice in MLA format, making the citation more concise while still giving proper credit to the primary author and indicating the collaborative nature of the work. No Page Numbers: In some cases, particularly with ebooks or audiobooks, page numbers may not be available, which is common for digital formats that adjust content to fit different screen sizes or devices. When page numbers are missing, this part of the citation is omitted entirely. Instead, if the chapter number is available and relevant, you can include it in the citation by using “Ch.” followed by the chapter number. This provides an alternative way to help readers locate the specific section within the book, even in the absence of page numbers. Audiobooks: Citing a chapter from an audiobook involves some additional details compared to a traditional ebook. Beyond the standard elements of author, title, and publication details, it is important to include the name of the narrator, as they play a significant role in the delivery of the content. Additionally, the total duration of the audiobook should be noted, as this helps the reader understand the scope of the work. In the version section, specify that the source is an “audiobook.” These details ensure that the citation accurately reflects the unique characteristics of the audiobook format.