Correct Way to Write a Title of a Book

Books titles usually appear in italics.

When you’re writing an article or essay and you need to show the title of a book, it’s important to use the correct format. Often you’ll follow a particular style guide. For instance, you may be asked to use the American Psychological Association (APA) format or the Modern Language Association (MLA) format when you’re writing. Both MLA format and APA format require you follow specific rules when you’re showing the title of a book. Other formats, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, also have specific rules you should follow.

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Use the spelling shown by the author. Spell all words exactly the way the author spelled them in the title regardless of the style guide you are following. Do not change the spelling, since the author may have chosen non-standard spelling intentionally. Verify the spelling of all words in the title to avoid errors. Don't rely on a spell checker alone as a way to verify the spelling. Double check it yourself by consulting the actual book or an accurate listing of the book's title.
- 2
  
  Use the same capitalization style the author used, unless the style guide you are following requires that you use a different format. Capitalize the title exactly as it appears on the book if you aren’t following a particular style guide or you’re following MLA format. Locate the correct capitalization style by looking at the cover or title page of the book. Capitalize only the first word of the title if you are following APA format.
- 3
  
  Write the complete title of the book in italics. Use a font that includes italics and is easy to read. Select the font required by the style guide you are following or use a standard font such as Times New Roman.
- 4
  
  Underline the title if you are unable to use italics. Underline titles when you are hand writing a paper, using a typewriter or using a font that does not include italics. Underline both the words in the title and the spaces between the words.
- 5
  
  Use all capital letters in the title if you are unable to use either italics or underline the title. Use this approach only if you have no other options available. Select one of the other choices when possible, since using all capital letters is non-standard and rarely used.

Tips & Warnings

Verify the preferred way to show a book title by reviewing the style guide you’re following before you begin writing. Verify with your instructor what the preferred approach is for showing the title of a book if you are a student.

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Photo Credit The book image by Dzmitry Halavach from Fotolia.com

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Correct Way to Write a Title of a Book

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