How to Format Various MLA Contributors

In MLA citation style, understanding how to format various contributor types is crucial. Each contributor, be it an author, editor, or online participant, holds a specific place in the citation framework. We look into MLA guidelines for different contributors, providing concise insights and examples for accurate citations.

Pay attention to details in the source to accurately reflect the contribution of each individual or entity.

Maintain consistency in your citation style throughout your document to enhance readability and professionalism.

Always refer to the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for specific and up to date guidelines.

SINGLE AUTHOR

Include the author’s last name followed by the first name or initials.

Example
Dosey, Ted.
Structure
Author Surname, Author First Name(s) or Initial(s).

TWO AUTHORS

For two authors, list their last names followed by first names or initials, separated by ‘and’.

Example
Dosey, Ted, and Kate Liao.
Structure
Author 1 Surname, Author 1 First Name(s) or Initial(s)and Author 2 First Name(s) &/or Initial(s) Author 2 Surname.

THREE OR MORE AUTHORS

When there are three or more authors, include the first author followed by ‘et al.’ to indicate additional contributors.

Example
Liao, Christina, et al.
Structure
Author 1 Surname, Author 1 First Name(s) or Initial(s), et al.

EDITOR

Specify the editor’s name followed by ‘editor’ or ‘editors’ label for single or multiple editors, respectively.

Example
MaximClaire, editor.
Structure
Editor Surname, Editor First Name(s) or Initial(s), editor.

TWO EDITORS

Example
MaximClaire, and Kate Liao, editors.
Structure
Editor 1 Surname, Editor 1 First Name(s) or Initial(s), and Editor 2 First Name(s) &/or Initial(s) Editor 2 Surname, editors.

THREE OR MORE EDITORS

Example
MaximClaire, et al., editors.
Structure
Editor 1 Surname, Editor 1 First Name(s) or Initial(s), et al., editors.

GROUP OR CORPORATE AUTHOR

Use the full name of the organization or corporation as the author.

Example
World Health Organization.
Structure
Group/Corporate Author(s)

NO AUTHOR

When there’s no specific author:

Cite the title of the webpage in quotation marks for webpages.

Example
“The Art of Science.”
Structure
“Title of Webpage.” 

All other source types cite the title of the work in italics.

Example
BBC News.
Structure
Title of Work.

Do not use ‘Anonymous’ as the author’s name in the MLA style.

TRANSLATOR

Include the translator’s name and specify their role as ‘translator’.

Example
Smith, Lisa. The Leap. Translated by Gareth Williams.
Structure
Author Surname, Author First Name(s) &/or Initial(s). Title of Book. Translated by Translator First Name(s) &/or Initial(s) Translator Surname.

EMPHASIS ON TRANSLATOR

Example
Smith, Lisa, translator. The Leap. By Gareth Williams.
Structure
Translator Surname, Translator First Name(s) &/or Initial(s), translator. Title of Book. By Author First Name(s) &/or Initial(s) Author Surname.

 

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Tomas Elliott (Ph.D.)

Tomas Elliott is an assistant Professor of English at Northeastern University London. His research specialisms include the history of theatre and film, European modernism, world literature, film adaptation, transmedia studies and citation practices. He read English and French Literature at Trinity College, Oxford, before completing a PhD in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Pennsylvania.

Learn how to cite in MLA