book titles are italicized

When to Use Italics: The Complete Guide

by Liz Bureman and Sue Weems | 0 comments

We've covered italicization in song titles and album titles already , but let's look at a complete guide of when to use italics. 

What is italicization?

Italicization is the use of italics , a typeface that mimics cursive and leans or slants to the right.

Why use italics?

Italics are used to distinguish certain text from the rest for emphasis or sometimes contrast. As with all grammar and formatting conventions, italics should be used to make a message clearer to the audience.

When to use italics

In the English language, italics are usually used to set apart titles and names of specific kinds of objects or works.

Use italics for book titles and play titles

Titles of books are italicized, but you probably already knew that. Example: Gone Girl is still probably one of my favorite books that I read in 2014.

Other examples: The Crucible by Arthur Miller Sula by Toni Morrison

Use italics for magazine, newspaper, and periodical titles

All titles of newspapers, magazines, periodicals, and academic journals are italicized. Examples:

Magazine: The Atlantic Newspaper: The New York Times Professional periodicals: Publishers Weekly ; Library Journal Academic Journal: Journal of the American Medical Association , Harvard Business Review

Note: magazines, newspapers, professional periodicals, and academic journals all contain individual articles by different writers. Those article titles are indicated by the use of quotation marks .

Use italics for website titles

Website titles are italicized, and individual posts on websites are put in quotation marks, like articles.

For example: The Write Practice ran a series on writing short stories and the master article is called “ How to Write a Short Story ” by Sarah Gribble.

Other examples: Facebook Wikipedia

Use italics for television show titles

The names of TV shows are italicized, while the titles of each individual episode of a show are put in quotations.

Example: While all of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is amazing, my favorite episode is probably “Kimmy Goes to School!”

The Wire Game of Thrones

Use italics for movie titles

Movie titles are always italicized.

Examples: I saw Top Gun: Maverick last month for nostalgia's sake.

Everything Everywhere All at Once , starring Michelle Yeoh

Use italics for album titles

Album titles are always italicized. For example, while I will openly admit to loving Journey’s power ballad “Faithfully,” I think pretty much every song on their Greatest Hits album should be sung at karaoke nights across the country.

Other examples: Renaissance by Beyonce Harry's House by Harry Styles

Note: individual song titles are noted by quotation marks.

Use italics for works of art

All artwork titles use italics, from paintings to sculpture. Examples:

Sugar Shack by Ernie Barnes Black Iris by Georgia O'Keefe David by Michelangelo

Use italics for radio or podcast program titles

Radio and podcast programs take italics, while their individual episodes take quotation marks. Examples:

This American Life Fresh Air, National Public Radio On Being with Krista Tippett

Use italics for named vessels: ships, spacecraft, aircraft

Any named craft used for transportation will take italics.

Examples: USS America, Challenger, Pequod

Use italics for technical terms (sometimes)

In some academic texts, technical or new terms are often marked by italics the first time they are used in the paper. Check your assigned style guide (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc) to see how to indicate new terms.

Use italics for foreign words (sometimes)

Some style manuals (notably APA and Chicago) suggest using italics the first time an unfamiliar non-English word is used in a paper. This practice can vary depending on the publisher and the audience, so pay attention to any requirements.

It's okay to need to look up the rules for italicization. That's why we've published this handy guide!

How do you feel about your italicization skills? Do you always remember what titles to italicize and which to leave alone? Let us know in the comments section .

Put your italicization skills to the test. For fifteen minutes, write about one of the following:

• A serial killer who calls himself “The Reviewer” who murders his favorite actors, writers, and musicians.
• A detective hunting a serial killer who calls himself “The Reviewer.”

When you’re finished, share your work in the Pro Practice Workshop.   Not a member yet? Join us !

Liz Bureman

Liz Bureman has a more-than-healthy interest in proper grammatical structure, accurate spelling, and the underappreciated semicolon. When she's not diagramming sentences and reading blogs about how terribly written the Twilight series is, she edits for the Write Practice, causes trouble in Denver, and plays guitar very slowly and poorly. You can follow her on Twitter (@epbure), where she tweets more about music of the mid-90s than writing.

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

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How to Indicate Book Titles in Writing: Must-Know Rules

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Basic Rules for Indicating Book Titles in Writing

Differentiating between titles of books and titles of articles, formatting book titles in italics or quotation marks, handling titles within titles: subtitles and series names, citing book titles in academic and professional writing, capitalization rules for book titles: key factors to consider, styling book titles in various writing styles and platforms, frequently asked questions, the way forward.

When it comes to indicating book titles in your writing, there are some basic rules to keep in mind. By following these guidelines, you can ensure clarity and consistency in your work.

First and foremost, it is important to italicize or underline the titles of books. This helps to distinguish them from the surrounding text and indicates that you are referring to a specific title. For example, if you are discussing the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” make sure to italicize or underline it to show that it is a title.

Additionally, it is crucial to capitalize the important words in the book title. This means that all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, and the first and last words in the title should be capitalized. However, it is important to note that articles (such as “a” or “the”), coordinating conjunctions (such as “and” or “but”), and prepositions with fewer than five letters (such as “in” or “of”) should be lowercase unless they are the first or last word in the title. For example, the title “The Catcher in the Rye” follows this rule by capitalizing “The,” “Catcher,” and “Rye” but not “in.”

Remembering these basic rules for indicating book titles in your writing will help ensure that your work appears professional and consistent. By italicizing or underlining titles and capitalizing the important words, you can effectively communicate which books you are referring to and avoid confusion for your readers.

When it comes to distinguishing between titles of books and titles of articles, there are a few key elements to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to note that titles of books are typically written in italics, while titles of articles are usually placed in quotation marks. This simple formatting difference can help readers easily identify the type of written work they are encountering.

Additionally, titles of books tend to be longer and more descriptive, aiming to convey the overall theme or subject matter of the book. On the other hand, titles of articles are typically shorter and more specific, providing a glimpse into the specific topic the article explores. This difference in length and specificity helps readers understand the scope and depth of the content they are about to engage with.

One common dilemma when it comes to writing is how to properly format book titles. The two main options are using italics or quotation marks. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate this punctuation conundrum.

When it comes to formatting book titles, one rule of thumb is to prioritize consistency. Whichever option you choose, make sure to apply it consistently throughout your writing. For example, if you decide to use italics for book titles, be sure to use italics for all book titles throughout your text. This not only ensures clarity but also makes your writing look professional.

If you decide to use italics, enclose the title of the book within tags when writing for the web or use the appropriate formatting feature in your word processor. Using bold or underlining for book titles is generally considered outdated. On the other hand, if you choose to use quotation marks, enclose the title within double quotation marks (“title”) for the whole work and single quotation marks (‘title’) for a shorter piece within a larger work, like a chapter or an article. Remember to capitalize the important words in the title, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. Avoid capitalizing articles, prepositions, or conjunctions, unless they are the first or last word in the title.

Titles within titles can often pose a challenge, especially when it comes to handling subtitles and series names. These additional elements can provide context and enhance the understanding of the main title, but knowing the correct way to format and punctuate them is essential. Here are some helpful tips to guide you through the intricacies of handling subtitles within titles:

1. Subtitles: – Use a colon to separate the main title from its subtitle: “The Art of Storytelling: Unleashing Your Creative Potential.” – Capitalize the first letter of the subtitle, even if the main title contains a question or exclamation mark: “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?: A Philosophical Analysis.” – Italicize both the main title and the subtitle to make them stand out.

2. Series Names: – Use quotation marks to indicate the title of a series: “Game of Thrones” or ‘Friends’. – Italicize the title of the series if it appears within a larger work, such as an essay or article: In his analysis of “Game of Thrones,” the author explores… – If the series name is the main title, follow the usual capitalization rules and italicize it: “Harry Potter” captivated audiences worldwide with its magical storytelling.

In academic and professional writing, it is crucial to accurately cite book titles to maintain credibility and give proper credit to the authors. Properly citing book titles not only adds depth and authenticity to your work, but also helps fellow researchers and readers locate the original source easily. To ensure consistency and clarity in your citations, here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Italicize the title: When mentioning the title of a book in your writing, it is important to italicize it to indicate that it is a standalone work. For example, in your research paper, you might write, “According to *The Great Gatsby* by F. Scott Fitzgerald…”

2. Capitalize important words: When citing book titles, it is customary to capitalize important words such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. However, do not capitalize articles, prepositions, or coordinating conjunctions unless they are the first word of the title. This formatting rule applies even if the book title is within your sentence. For instance, “George Orwell explored the themes of totalitarianism and government surveillance in his novel *Nineteen Eighty-Four*.”

When it comes to writing book titles, proper capitalization is crucial for maintaining professionalism and clarity. Understanding the key factors that influence capitalization rules can greatly enhance the presentation of your book. Here are some important guidelines to help you navigate this aspect of book titling:

• Primary words: Always capitalize the first and last words, regardless of their part of speech. Moreover, nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs within the title should also be capitalized.
• Articles and prepositions: In general, articles (such as “a,” “an,” and “the”) and short prepositions (like “in,” “on,” and “over”) should not be capitalized unless they are the first or last word of the title.
• Pronouns and conjunctions: Pronouns (e.g., “he,” “she,” “it”) and coordinating conjunctions (such as “and,” “but,” and “or”) should typically not be capitalized unless they appear at the beginning or end of the title.
• Exceptions: Certain words or phrases, such as proper nouns (names of people, places, etc.), should always be capitalized regardless of their position within the title.
• Style guides: Different style guides may have specific requirements for capitalization in book titles. Ensure that you are familiar with and adhere to the relevant style guide, such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the MLA Handbook.

By following these capitalization rules, you can accurately convey the title of your book while maintaining consistency and professionalism. Remember to pay attention to every word and consult relevant style guides when necessary. Proper capitalization adds credibility and draws the attention of potential readers, making your book more appealing and engaging.

When it comes to styling book titles, there are various writing styles and platforms that offer exciting options to make your book stand out. Whether you are a self-published author, a blogger looking to review books, or a designer working on a book cover, it’s essential to understand how to present book titles in different formats. With the right styling techniques, you can captivate readers and create a visually appealing presentation that sets the tone for your book.

In web content and blog posts, it’s common to use hyperlinks to direct readers to the book’s purchasing page or additional information. When including book titles in a blog post, it’s crucial to format them correctly. You can achieve this by using HTML tags to emphasize the title and make it stand out. Wrap the book title in tags to make it bold, creating a focal point that catches the reader’s attention. Additionally, consider adding a hyperlink to the book’s landing page by using the tag, ensuring that readers can easily navigate to the book’s details or purchase it directly.

For printed materials, such as book covers or promotional materials, the styling options are endless. You can explore different font styles, sizes, and colors to match the genre and tone of your book. When designing the cover, consider using eye-catching typography techniques like drop shadows, embossing, or even metallic finishes to make the book title visually striking. Experiment with different combinations of fonts to find the perfect balance between readability and aesthetic appeal. Remember, it’s crucial to choose fonts that complement your book’s content and genre to attract the right audience.

Q: Why is it important to know how to indicate book titles in writing? A: Knowing how to properly indicate book titles is crucial for maintaining consistency and adhering to writing conventions. It helps readers easily identify and differentiate between various types of literary works.

Q: Are there any specific rules for indicating book titles in writing? A: Yes, there are some general rules that can be followed to indicate book titles correctly. However, it’s important to note that different style guides may have slight variations in their rules.

Q: How should I format the titles of books in my writing? A: In most cases, book titles should be italicized or underlined when written. Consult the chosen style guide for specific requirements. For example, according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, book titles should be italicized, whereas the American Psychological Association (APA) style suggests using italics.

Q: Can I use quotation marks instead of italics or underlining? A: Yes, using quotation marks instead of italics or underlining is also an acceptable practice. However, it is important to be consistent throughout your writing. Choose one method and stick to it.

Q: How do I treat shorter works, like chapters or articles, within a larger book? A: Shorter works, such as chapters, articles, or short stories, should be placed within quotation marks. These smaller works are considered part of a larger, overarching book or compilation.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the general rules when formatting book titles? A: Yes, there are a few exceptions to the general rules. For instance, religious texts, such as the Bible, the Quran or the Talmud, are usually not italicized or underlined. Instead, they are typically capitalized.

Q: Should I capitalize every word in a book title? A: No, not every word in a book title should be capitalized. Generally, capitalize the first and last words of the title, as well as important words within it, such as nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Smaller words like articles (a, an, the), prepositions, and conjunctions should usually be lowercase, unless they are the first or last word of the title.

Q: What about subtitles? How should they be formatted? A: Subtitles should follow the same formatting rules as book titles. They can be italicized, underlined, or placed within quotation marks. Again, consistency is key.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the formatting rules for self-published books or e-books? A: No, the formatting rules for book titles generally apply to all types of books, including self-published books or e-books. It is important to maintain consistency in formatting regardless of the publication method.

Q: Where can I find additional information regarding book title formatting? A: To ensure accurate formatting, refer to trusted style guides such as the MLA Handbook, the APA Publication Manual, or The Chicago Manual of Style. These resources offer comprehensive guidelines on book title formatting and other writing conventions.

In conclusion, following the proper rules for indicating book titles in writing can ensure clarity and consistency in your work.

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Do You Underline Play Titles When Writing? Essential Tips

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