TL;DR: Short Answer Up Front
In most modern styles, italicize book titles in digital and print work (APA, MLA, Chicago). Underline only if you cannot italicize (typewritten or plain-text contexts). For titles inside titles, use quotation marks. Match the style required by your publisher, institution, or platform; when in doubt, follow the publication's existing practice.
Publication Styles That Recommend Italicizing Book Titles
Major style guides provide clear guidance on formatting titles. In digital and print publishing, italics are preferred because they offer visual clarity and meet the expectations of editors, educators, and readers. Consistency within a work or publication is more important than which specific mark you choose.
APA (7th Edition)
APA uses italics for book titles, including subtitles. Capitalize only the first word of the title and any proper nouns. Use sentence case for the title and subtitle in both in-text citations and reference list entries. Italics are also used for reports, journals, and other standalone works. For example: Narratives of the mind.
MLA (9th Edition)
MLA recommends italics for book titles, with full capitalization of major words. In the Works Cited, italics are used for books, containers, and independent works. Titles of shorter works (articles, poems) appear in quotation marks. This distinction helps readers identify the type of source at a glance.
Chicago Style Notes and Bibliography
Chicago style favors italics for book titles in both notes and bibliography entries. It capitalizes titles in headline style and distinguishes titles by format. For manuscripts and unpublished works, italics are also used, supporting consistency across published and archival materials.
Academic and Institutional Guidelines
Universities and departments may specify title formatting in their style sheets. These often align with APA, MLA, or Chicago but may include additional conventions. Always check the guidelines for your discipline, journal, or course to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary revisions.
When Underlining Book Titles Is Appropriate
Underlining was historically used in typewritten and pre-digital manuscripts to signal italics to readers and printers. Today, underlining is rare in final published work but remains relevant in specific contexts where italics are unavailable.
Typewritten or Plain-Text Environments
If you are submitting a manuscript or note in a system that does not support italics, underlining is an acceptable substitute. Journals and publishers may request underlines in submitted drafts if they will apply italics during typesetting. Confirm expectations before finalizing your formatting.
Handwritten Notes and Educational Drafts
In handwritten work, underlining is commonly used to indicate where italics would appear in print. Instructors and editors recognize this convention, provided the intent is clear and consistent across the document.
Handling Titles Inside Titles and Nested References
When a book title contains another title within it, use quotation marks for the internal title and italics for the outer book. This layered approach helps readers differentiate levels of hierarchy and avoids visual ambiguity.
Examples and Hierarchy
- Book: The Art of War
- Chapter or poem within the book: “The Strategy of Engagement”
- Book containing the chapter: The Oxford Handbook of War
Apply this logic consistently across essays, bibliographies, and editorial work to maintain clarity and professional presentation.
Best Practices for Digital Publishing and SEO
Search engines do not use italics or underlines to determine rankings, but consistent formatting improves readability and user experience. Clear title styling supports scannability and reinforces brand or publication identity.
Accessibility Considerations
Italics can be challenging for some readers, especially in dense or serifed fonts. Pair italics with sufficient contrast, appropriate font size, and structured styles to ensure content remains accessible without relying solely on typographic cues.
Quick Reference: How to Format Book Titles
| Context | Formatting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic writing (APA/MLA/Chicago) | Italicize book titles | Follow the specific style guide for capitalization and punctuation |
| Typewritten or plain-text submissions | Underline book titles | Use italics in final typeset when possible |
| Handwritten drafts | Underline to indicate italics | Ensure handwriting is legible and consistent |
| Titles within titles | Italicize outer, quote inner | Maintain clear hierarchy to avoid confusion |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Inconsistent styling, incorrect use of quotation marks, and applying web-style ALL CAPS or exaggerated punctuation can confuse readers and reduce professionalism. Align formatting with the target style guide and the conventions of your medium.
What to Watch For
- Switching between italics and underlining within the same document
- Using quotation marks for standalone book-length works
- Ignoring publisher or instructor preferences
Final Guidance
To answer directly: italicize book titles in most published and academic contexts; underline only when italics are not possible and the context accepts it. Confirm the expectations of your publisher, platform, or institution, and apply the chosen style consistently throughout your work.