How to cite a book with multiple authors using MLA style

First, make sure to read all of the information that will be vital to the source. Locate the correct information regarding the authors.  This will be located in one of the following locations: title page, first page, back page, or the front cover.

Use the Microsoft 2007 References Tab to set up the correct format to add into the Works Cited Page.  Make sure to select MLA format. Select Manage sources and click on "new" to create a new source. Select "Book" as the source.

Make sure to check the box "Show All Bibliography Fields" .  By selecting this box, Microsoft will put a red star by the fields that the writer should try to complete with the correct information.

It appears to have one text box for the author or authors.  Do not type all of the authors' names in this box because the template will interpret the last word typed at the author's last name.  In short the program will interpret it as one name even though you have typed in multiples. 

Instead type the first author in the blank supplied.  Then click edit.  You will then receive a template to add an author.  Add the proper information.  Continue the process with any additional authors.

Then add the remaining vital information in the red starred blanks.

Microsoft will correctly format the information.

Preview the Source.  Do this in the Source Manager and having the source listed in the "Current" Column. Below these columns will be a "Preview" Window. In this window you will see two things:  The citation and the source.

An example of a preview Works Cited entry would be:

Smith, John, Louise Johnson and Susan Good. The Environment. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005.

The citation would read (Smith, Johnson and Good).

Appropriate page numbers can be added as needed. Use this form for parenthetical citations when paraphrasing or summarizing from the source. Simply click insert citation and choose the correct source.

You can easily check for any proofreading errors in this preview window as well.

When quoting multiple authors of the same source using MLA format, the first time the source is quoted the writer should incorporate all of the author's full names into the quote.

Example:  "The environment is our most precious gift, stated John Smith, Louise Johnson and Susan Good in the book, The Environment. "All countries are responsible for its car, just like a parent."

Any additional references to this source can be stated in a more abbreviated style.

Example:  Smith, Johnson and Good continued to explain in the book The Environment, that "Millions and millions of fauna and flora are dependent on a clean environment.  Their lives may be snuffed out in a moment by reckless endangerment by human beings."

Conclusion

Incorporating multiple authors in and MLA formatted paper can be a snap. Remember that the" Microsoft References Tab" can be your best friend when it comes to citing your sources. Rest easy an allow the program to format it for you. Just remember, the entries are only as accurate as the person typing in the template.

MLA Citation Format--Put Your Papers & Essays in Perfect MLA Style: P1