When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, using the right citation style is crucial to avoid plagiarism and ensure credibility. One common citation style used in many fields is the MLA (Modern Language Association) style. In this article, we will explore how to format citations and bibliographies in a manuscript for Nature, using the MLA style.

Typically, writers do not format their citations and bibliography by hand. Instead, they use reference managers like Paperpile or other tools that can help them generate accurate citations and bibliographies quickly and efficiently. For a complete guide on how to prepare your manuscript, refer to the journal's instructions for authors.

According to the MLA style guidelines, when citing books in the Works Cited page, writers should include the following bibliographic items: author name(s), other contributors such as translators or editors, book title, editions of the book, publication date, publisher, and pagination. For example:

Smith, John. The End of History. 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2015.

If the book has multiple authors, separate their names with commas:

Johnson, Jane, and Robert Smith. The Art of Writing. Cambridge University Press, 2017.

When citing a translated work, include the translator's name in the citation:

Tolstoy, Leo. War and Peace. Translated by Rosemary Edmonds, Oxford University Press, 2018.

In terms of formatting, the MLA style recommends using commas instead of periods between the publisher, publication date, and pagination. For instance:

Johnson, Jane. The Art of Writing. Cambridge University Press, 2017, pp. 12-34.

It's also important to note that DOIs (digital object identifiers) should be used instead of URLs when available. Additionally, writers should use the term 'Accessed' instead of listing the date or abbreviation 'n.d.'

By following these guidelines and using a reference manager like Paperpile, writers can ensure accurate and consistent citations and bibliographies in their manuscripts. For more information on how to format your references using the MLA citation style, consult the MLA Handbook (9th ed.) or other reputable sources.

Overall, understanding the basics of MLA citation style and formatting is essential for any writer, regardless of whether they are writing a research paper or simply need to cite sources in an article. With practice and patience, writers can master the MLA style and produce high-quality academic papers that meet the highest standards of scholarship.

Endnote example of a book citation