MLA Directory of Variations to Works Cited Formatting Rules

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1. Two or More Works by Same Author Appear in Works Cited

Format:
An exception to using the author's full name in the entry is when you cite a single author more than once. In this instance, it is acceptable to use three-em dashes (---.) in place of the author's name after the first entry. This three-em dash serves the same purpose as "ditto" marks.

Example:

Peterkin, Julia. Black April. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1927. ---. Scarlet Sister Mary. Indianapolis: Bobbs- Merrill, 1928.

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    • 2. Anonymous Source or No Author Named on Title Page

    Format:
    If the author's name is unavailable, the first word in the entry is the first word of the title, and the entry is alphabetized according to this first word. Ignore the words "a," "an," or "the" in the title.

    Example:

    Parsons, Elsie Clews. Folk-Lore of the Sea Islands, South Carolina. 1923. Chicago: Afro-Am Press, 1969. "A Passing Race." Canadian Magazine 71 (1929): 34. Peterkin, Julia. Black April. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill Co., 1927.

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