Book Writing - Documenting Sources With MLA Style

Some research is usually involved in writing a non-fiction book. Whenever you borrow a quote or use information from references you need to correctly cite the source.

MLA or Modern Language Association style is most commonly used for literary works. However, if your document pertains to behavioral and social sciences, you would use APA or American Psychological Association format.

You can use many different sources to find material:

• articles (both in print and online)
• audio recordings
• books
• emails
• journals
• letters and memos
• live performances
• music
• pamphlets and lectures
• personal interviews
• radio or television broadcasts
• videos
• works of art

Each of these source types is noted in a slightly different manner in both your end/footnotes and bibliography. I suggest you purchase a style manual to keep on your desk that demonstrates the correct format for each type of source.

There are three ways to document your material: by using in-text quotations, end/footnotes, and works cited.

In-text Quotes:

Any time you borrow a quote from someone, it needs to be cited in the text at the point where the quote appears along with the page number if available (author name 72). It should also be included in your bibliography.

End/Footnotes:

Endnotes go at the end of a chapter as a mini-bibliography for all the works used in that chapter. Footnotes go at the bottom of the page where the cited text appears. Each gives complete information about where the material was found so anyone reading your document can find the article or book and read more.

Bibliography:

A works cited or bibliography page contains source information for all the material you used in your book.

When you correctly cite all your sources and give credit where it is due, you will avoid plagiarism and copyright violation issues. So, remember: if you cite, do it right!