How to reference a chapter in an edited book in MLA 9
A chapter reference in MLA 9 has 7 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author page)
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 7 parts
Chapter author. “Chapter title.” Book, edited by Editor, Publisher, Year, pp. Pages.
. 2 · CHAPTER TITLE“Revising with Others.”3 · BOOKStudy Skills for University, edited by , 5 · PUBLISHERNorthgate Press, 6 · DATE2022, pp. 7 · PAGES45–67.
- 2 · Chapter titleCapital letters for the main words (KanBananza adds them). In double quotation marks.The chapter’s own title.
- 3 · BookIn italics.The title of the whole book.
- 5 · PublisherAs the source gives it.On the book’s title page or the spine.
- 6 · DateThe year.On the back of the book’s title page.
- 7 · PagesThe first and last page. After “pp.”.The first and last page of the chapter.
Two places, one source
Revising in a group can help students remember more (Lee).
The author, and the page when there is one.Lee, Hannah. “Revising with Others.” Study Skills for University, edited by Samuel Brown, Northgate Press, 2022, pp. 45–67.
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
Made by an organisation
Give the organisation’s name where the author goes.
Riverside Media Bureau. “Revising with Others.” Study Skills for University, edited by Samuel Brown, Northgate Press, 2022, pp. 45–67.
In your essay: (Riverside Media Bureau)
No date
Leave the date out.
Lee, Hannah. “Revising with Others.” Study Skills for University, edited by Samuel Brown, Northgate Press, pp. 45–67.
In your essay: (Lee)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “and”.
Green, Amara, and Ravi Patel. “Revising with Others.” Study Skills for University, edited by Samuel Brown, Northgate Press, 2022, pp. 45–67.
In your essay: (Green and Patel)
Four or more authors
Give the first author, then “et al.”, which means “and others”. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, Amara, et al. “Revising with Others.” Study Skills for University, edited by Samuel Brown, Northgate Press, 2022, pp. 45–67.
In your essay: (Green et al.)
Check your university’s version
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
This guide follows the MLA Handbook, 9th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a chapter in an edited book in the text?
Give the author, in brackets: (Lee). To point to one place in it: (Lee 50)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how MLA 9 sets it out: Lee, Hannah. “Revising with Others.” Study Skills for University, edited by Samuel Brown, Northgate Press, pp. 45–67.
Is MLA 9 the same at every university?
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.