Writing an autobiography can be a powerful way to share your life story with others. Whether you’re a famous figure, a renowned writer, or simply someone with a unique perspective, capturing your experiences in an autobiography is a remarkable achievement. But once your autobiography is complete, you may find yourself facing another challenge: how do you properly cite it in your academic or research work?
In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of citing autobiographies in MLA (Modern Language Association) format. We’ll answer common questions like, “Are autobiographies italicized in MLA?” and provide you with a step-by-step guide to ensure your citations are accurate and conform to the MLA style guidelines. So, whether you’re a student, a scholar, or a casual reader, follow along as we navigate the world of autobiography citations in MLA format.
How to Cite an Autobiography in MLA Format
So you’ve just finished reading an incredible autobiography and now you want to cite it in your research paper? No worries, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of citing an autobiography in MLA format, ensuring your citations are top-notch, just like the autobiography itself.
Finding the Necessary Information
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of citations, let’s first gather all the necessary information. Citing an autobiography is like giving credit where credit is due. You’ll need the author’s name, the title of the autobiography, the name of the publisher, the publication year, and the page numbers you’re quoting from.
Formatting the Citation
To create a citation in MLA format, you’ll need to follow a specific structure. Start with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and their first name. Then, add the title of the autobiography in italics, with just the first word capitalized. Next, include the name of the publisher, followed by a comma and the publication year. Finally, indicate the page numbers you’re referencing. Here’s an example to give you a clear picture:
Example:
Doe, John. My Life, My Journey. Publisher, 2022, pp. 45-52.
In-Text Citations
Now that you have the hang of creating a citation, let’s look at how to include it in your text. MLA format requires in-text citations, which provide brief information about the source right in your essay. For an autobiography, simply include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after any quotes or paraphrased information. Here’s an example:
Example:
“My life has been an adventure” (Doe 47).
Multiple Authors or Editions
If the autobiography you’re citing has multiple authors, use the same format as before but separate the authors’ names with commas. If the autobiography has multiple editions, indicate the edition number after the title of the autobiography. Here’s an example of both:
Example with multiple authors:
Doe, John, and Smith, Jane. Our Amazing Lives. Publisher, 2021, pp. 35-40.
Example with an edition number:
Doe, John. My Life, My Journey. 2nd ed., Publisher, 2022, pp. 45-52.
Citing Online Autobiographies
In the age of the internet, you might come across an autobiography online. In this case, you’ll want to include the URL of the webpage instead of the publisher’s name. Additionally, make sure to include the date you accessed the autobiography in case the online version changes. Here’s an example:
Example:
Doe, John. My Life, My Journey. [Website Title], URL, Accessed 2 Jan. 2023, pp. 45-52.
Cross-Referencing Autobiographies
If you’re citing multiple autobiographies in your research paper, it’s essential to provide a clear distinction between them. Use the author’s name to differentiate between the citations in both your works cited page and in-text citations. Here’s an example:
Works Cited:
Doe, John. My Life, My Journey. Publisher, 2022, pp. 45-52.
Smith, Jane. A Memoir to Remember. Publisher, 2019, pp. 87-94.
In-Text Citation:
“My life has been an adventure” (Doe 47).
“I found solace in my own thoughts” (Smith 91).
Wrap-Up
Now that you know the ins and outs of citing an autobiography in MLA format, you can confidently incorporate the author’s life story into your research paper without any worries. Just remember to gather all the necessary information, format your citation properly, and include in-text citations where needed. Happy citing, and may your research paper be as inspiring as the autobiography you’ve discovered!
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FAQ: How to Cite an Autobiography in MLA Format?
Are Autobiographies Italicized in MLA
Autobiographies are not italicized in MLA format. Instead, the titles of autobiographies should be written in regular text and enclosed in quotation marks. So, if you are citing the autobiography of Michelle Obama, for example, the title would be written as “Becoming” and not Becoming.
What Does APA Format Mean Anyway
APA stands for the American Psychological Association, and APA format is a citation style commonly used in the social sciences. While this FAQ is focused on MLA format, it’s always good to have some general knowledge. So, if you come across APA format in your research endeavors, it’s referring to a specific set of guidelines for writing and citing sources in academic papers.
How Do You Cite an Autobiography in MLA Format
Citing an autobiography in MLA format requires you to include a combination of key information about the author and the book. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it properly:
1. Author’s Last Name, First Name.
Begin the citation with the author’s last name, followed by a comma, then the author’s first name. If there are multiple authors, list them in the same order as they are credited on the title page.
Example: Smith, Jane.
2. Title of the Autobiography.
Enclose the title of the autobiography in quotation marks and capitalize the first letter of significant words. If the autobiography is part of a larger work, such as an anthology or a series, include the title of that work in italics after the title of the autobiography.
Example: “My Life So Far” or “My Life So Far” (The Amazing Adventures of Extraordinary People).
3. Publisher, Year of Publication.
Provide the name of the publisher, followed by a comma, and then the year of publication. If the autobiography was self-published, omit the publisher’s name and simply include the year.
Example: Random House, 2020 or 2020.
4. Medium.
Indicate the medium of the autobiography by stating “Print” if it is a physical book. If you are citing an electronic version of the autobiography, specify the format, such as “e-book” or “PDF.”
Example: Print or e-book.
5. Optional Additional Information.
If relevant, you can include additional information such as the edition of the autobiography or a translator’s name.
Example: 2nd ed. or Translated by John Smith.
6. Citation Example.
Putting it all together, here’s an example of how a citation for an autobiography would look like in MLA format:
Smith, Jane. “My Life So Far” or “My Life So Far” (The Amazing Adventures of Extraordinary People). Random House, 2020. Print.
Remember to adjust the formatting and punctuation based on the specific details of the autobiography you are citing.
Now that you know how to cite an autobiography in MLA format, go forth and dazzle your professors with your impeccable citations!
