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10/23/2017 Comments

Format Your Writing - MLA Example

Sometimes, looking at pictures helps more than reading. Below is an example of what different parts of MLA Style for a paper or manuscript will look like.

This is an example of the first page of an MLA style paper or book, as well as showing how to cite information inside your work.

This example page shows what pages will look like after the first page in MLA style, with the writer's last name and page number in the top right.

In the final page, the works cited page should be formatted like this example taken from the previous article.

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10/16/2017 Comments

Format Your Writing - MLA Citations

People often miss how very important citing your work is. It's not only an ethical thing to give credit where credit is due - it's a legal issue. People have been fined and dealt with law suites from plagiarism. Plagiarism is a form of theft, and therefore, is treated as such in law enforcement. So, this topic definitely needs to have it's own separate say when formatting - for its legal restrictions and its details.

When to cite:

For direct quotes in the body of your writing
For direct paraphrasing (when you take the same idea in the same direction as your source)

You plagiarize when you:

Intentionally misuse information you cite
Directly state, word for word, someone else's work without giving the proper credit
Steal someone else's direct idea in the same way, form and order that they said it without giving them credit.

You'll need two types of citing in your work. One in the text where you've directly stated your source and one in a separate page at the end of your work with a title, "Works Cited," at the top. Citation Rules Include:

In-text Citations:
- Place the last name with a comma and the page number - if citing from a book - at the end of your quoted material or paraphrased information.
  - Example for book reference: So-so murdered the cook, but the courts let him go (Author's Last Name, Pg. #).
  - Example for website reference: So-so murdered the cook, but the courts let him go (Author's Last Name).
Full Citations at the End of Your Work:
- Criteria include:
  - Last name, first name Middle Initial of author
  - Chapter Title or Number
  - Book Title
  - Edition of Book
  - Volume of Book
  - Publisher Name
  - Page numbers used throughout your work
- Remember: Not all of this information is absolutely needed. Most fantasy books won't have a volume or edition, since it's not that type of book. Whatever the book provides is what you must cite. Most of this information is found on the first or second page of the book, like publisher name and the date the book was published.

The two most commonly used sources consist of websites and books, but the website, Easybib.com, is the most popular, FREE citing tool that can be used to help you cite material you're unsure of. Below are some examples of book and website citations:

EXAMPLE LAYOUT FOR BOOK:
Author Last Name, Author First Name Middle Initial. “Chapter Title/Number.” Book Title, Edition ed., Vol., Publisher, pp. Page Start-Page End.

REAL EXAMPLE FOR BOOK:
Doe, John A. "Chapter 6." To Be An Ant, 5th ed., Vol. 2., Harper & Row Publishing, pp. 65-89, 91, 50.

EXAMPLE LAYOUT FOR WEBSITES:
Author Last name, Author First Name Middle Initial. “Article Title.” Website Title, Publisher Name, www.website.com.

REAL EXAMPLE FOR WEBSITE:
Doe, John A. "How to Cite for a Website." Web Help Here, www.keepitsimple.com/morespecificinfo.

Stealing is wrong - even stealing an idea. It's not about outsmarting your teachers or publishers. It's about doing what is right. Giving credit when credit is due is a big step in the right direction. It proves you know what you are talking about and confirms validity in your point.

Works Cited:

“Why Do I Cite? When Do I Cite?” EasyBib, Chegg.
“The Complete Guide to MLA & Citations.” MLA Format Citation Generator & Guide, Citation Machine, www.citationmachine.net/mla/cite-a-website.

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10/9/2017 Comments

Format Your Writing - MLA Guidelines

MLA is the most popular format teachers especially look for in the schools and colleges of America, but a publisher may ask the same of a book. The type of book and the publisher both determine the format of any book you submit to them. It's important to heed their advice and gather all the information needed to get your book published if you wish to publish with them. So, here's a fresh view of basic MLA format rules:

This is considered standard page formatting:
- 12-point letter size
- Legible font (Times New Romans is preferred)
- Double Spaced (Everything from title to citations)
- 1-inch margins
Heading (or the book title/chapter) - There is more freedom with this in books than in school papers.
Personal Information is placed in the top left corner of papers, or in the middle of a separate first page, for in this order:
- Full name
- Teacher
- Class
- Date (Day, Spelled out Month, Full Year)
- (If this is a book instead of a school paper, sometimes it's important to ask where your personal information should go if the publishers don't mention it in the guidelines.)
- It's also important to note for school papers, your last name next to page numbers are placed in the top right corner of each page.
Legally, any information from outside sources should be cited in a separate Works Cited page at the end of your document or book.
- Any references made inside your book or paper must be given credit through last name or organization in parenthesis after the quote or reference has been made.
Indent each paragraph by tabbing once (1/2 inch).
Punctuation is inserted inside any quotation marks and outside any parenthesis.
Italicize names of books, movies and any other work you mention in your paper or book.

If you question how to cite or display information, look it up! Easybib and Purdue OWL are two great websites to learn about formatting and citation in MLA. Or, if you're stumped on what to do, email your questions to us at drwordsmiths@gmail.com! We'd be glad to help you! Whether you're dreading papers or reading up on ways to add finishing touches to a book you're writing, there are many aides for the MLA Style around.

Works Cited:
“Welcome to the Purdue OWL.” Purdue OWL: MLA Formatting and Style Guide, Purdue University. 22 Nov. 2017.

“MLA Format: The Complete MLA Citation Guide by EasyBib.” EasyBib, Chegg. 22 Nov. 2017.

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10/2/2017 Comments

Format Your Writing - MLA Introduction

Let's face it - Formatting is a carefree writer's nightmare. There are rules and guidelines that keep flowing forms of creativity at bay. But, without some order among chaos, people cannot live. Without order, you'll be the only person able to read your book. Formatting can be a key to help people understand what you have to say, which is why the three most popular formats should be discussed in an easy-to-read way.

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FROM THE WRITER

This is a blog site where tips, information and other help is given to fellow writers in need of a brush up, a tip or a source. Comment, share or just enjoy!

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Format Your Writing - MLA Example

Sometimes, looking at pictures helps more than reading. Below is an example of what different parts of MLA Style for a paper or manuscript will look like.

Format Your Writing - MLA Citations

Format Your Writing - MLA Guidelines

Format Your Writing - MLA Introduction

FROM THE WRITER

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