How do I cite a book for which no organization is named as the publisher?

As noted on page 42 of the MLA Handbook, if the book is published by its author or editor, omit the publisher’s name from the… Read More

How do I indicate that I am citing an editorial?

If the editorial is signed by the editorial board, it is not necessary to indicate in a works-cited-list entry that the work you are citing… Read More

Do I need to include the name of the library from which I retrieved an e-book?

No. The library from which you retrieved an e-book should not be specified in your works-cited-list entry. Read our guidelines on citing an e-book in… Read More

Where in a works-cited-list entry should the section of a newspaper be inserted?

If you need to specify the section of a newspaper, include it as part of the location element according to the MLA format template:… Read More

How do I cite a quotation that I’ve altered?

In almost all cases you should transcribe a quotation exactly as it appears in the source. However, you may occasionally want to italicize words in… Read More

It is . . . that; or, How Not to Edit Jane Austen

The formula it is . . . that is common in academic writing Read More

Commonsense MLA 8: Documentation for the Reader

I read The MLA Handbook from cover to cover, and you should too . . . Read More

President’s Day: A Singular Holiday?

Authorities disagree about the name Presidents' Day . . . Read More

When translating from a language that does not use roman characters, like Chinese, do I include the original characters or a transliteration? And how do I alphabetize titles of nonroman works?

In its publications, the MLA prefers to give the original characters (script) and a translation for titles and quotations; it also includes transliteration in some… Read More

MLK Day the MLA Way

Martin Luther King Day? Martin Luther King, Jr., Day? MLK Day? . . . Read More