Are Book Titles Italicized? A Complete Guide with Examples
Are book titles italicized? If you’ve ever written an essay, article, or blog post and paused to wonder whether to italicize, underline, or put book titles in quotation marks, you’re not alone.
The rules can be confusing—but don’t worry. In this simple guide, we’ll answer your question, explain the rules based on popular style guides like APA, MLA, and Chicago, and show you real-life examples so you always get it right.
Let’s dive in.
Contents
Quick Answer: Are Book Titles Italicized?
Yes, in most major writing styles, book titles are italicized when typed. If you’re handwriting, they’re usually underlined instead.
✍️ Example:
Correct: I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird.
Handwritten: I just finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird.
Why Are Book Titles Italicized?
Book titles are standalone works, meaning they are complete and published independently. According to English grammar and style conventions, titles of standalone works are italicized, while shorter works like poems, articles, or chapters are placed in quotation marks.
How Different Style Guides Treat Book Titles
1. APA Style (American Psychological Association)
- Italicize titles of books.
- Capitalize only the first word of the title and subtitle, and proper nouns.
Example:
Smith, J. (2020). The art of mindful living.
2. MLA Style (Modern Language Association)
- Italicize full book titles.
- Capitalize all major words in the title.
Example:
Orwell, George. 1984. Penguin Books, 1950.
3. Chicago Manual of Style
- Italicize titles of full-length books.
- Capitalize major words.
Example:
Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea is a classic.
When NOT to Italicize Book Titles
- In handwritten work: Underline book titles instead of italicizing.
- On older typewriters: Use underlining since italics are not available.
- Inside quotation marks: Only use them for short works, not books.
❌ “Pride and Prejudice” → Incorrect
✅ Pride and Prejudice → Correct
Italics vs. Quotation Marks: What’s the Difference?
| Work Type | Italicize | Quotation Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Book titles | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Magazine or newspaper name | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Chapter in a book | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Article titles | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| TV series (whole show) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Single TV episode | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
More Examples of Correct Usage
- I’ve always loved The Great Gatsby.
- She quoted Becoming by Michelle Obama.
- Have you read A Brief History of Time?
Final Thoughts
So, are book titles italicized? In short—yes, in almost all digital and printed formats. It’s a simple rule that makes your writing look polished, professional, and grammatically correct.
Pro Tip: Always refer to the specific style guide you’re using—APA, MLA, or Chicago—to follow their formatting rules perfectly.
Whether you’re writing a blog, school essay, or professional article, knowing how to correctly format book titles will elevate your work.
Steve George is Blogger, a marketer and content writer. He has B.A. in Economics from the University of Washington. Read more about Mzuri Mag.
