How to Cite a Book in APA
Book – A written work or composition that has been published – typically printed on pages bound together.
Citing a book in APA (print)
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Author, F. M. (Year of Publication). Title of work. Publisher. |
| Example |
James, Henry. (2009). The ambassadors. Serenity Publishers. |
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| In-text citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Author Last Name, Publication Year) |
| Example |
(Henry, 2009) |
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Note: Capitalize the first letter of the first word of the title and any subtitles (the first word that follows a colon), as well as the first letter of any proper nouns. See our APA Citation Basics guide or the APA Publication Manual for more information.
Citing an E-book in APA (online or digital book)
An e-book is considered a written work or composition that has been digitized and is readable through computers or e-readers (Kindles, iPads,nooks etc.). As of the APA 7th edition, a special notation does not need to be made for e-reader versions. Simply include the book’s URL or DOI number at the end of the citation. However, if you’re citing an audiobook, scroll down this page to see the different citation structure for audiobooks.
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Author, F. M. (Year of Publication). Title of work. Publisher. URL or DOI |
| Example |
Stoker, B. (2000). Dracula. Dover Publications. https://www.overdrive.com/ |
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| In-text citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Author Last Name, Publication Year) |
| Example |
(Stoker, 2000) |
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Citing a book in APA (found in database)
Some e-books may be available online through your library’s databases or catalogs. According to the 7th edition of APA style, most books found via academic databases do not need to include the database name or link in the citation. This is because these books are usually widely available in many place and resources.
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Author, F. M. (Year of Publication). Title of work. Publisher. DOI if available |
| Example |
Rodriguez-Garcia, R., & White, E.M. (2005). Self-assessment in managing for results: Conducting self-assessment for development practitioners. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. doi:10.1596/9780-82136148-1 |
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| In-text citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Author Last Names, Publication Year) |
| Example |
(Rodriguez-Garcia & White, 2005) |
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Citing an audio book in APA
An audiobook is a book that has been converted into audio files or an audio format. They are also sometimes called “books on tape.”
| Reference Page | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
Author, F. M. (Year of Publication). Title of work (F. M. Narrator, Narr.) [Audiobook]. Publisher. URL or DOI if available |
| Example |
Gaiman, N. (2005). Anansi Boys (L. Henry, Narr.) [Audiobook]. HarperAudio. |
| In-text citation | |
|---|---|
| Structure |
(Author Last Name, Publication Year) |
| Example |
(Gaiman, 2005) |
