How to Cite a Manuscript in MLA 9th edition

Unpublished manuscripts, letters, and archival materials.

Example in MLA 9th edition

Robinson, Jackie. “Letter to President Eisenhower.” Letter. 13 May 1958, catalog.archives.gov/id/186627. Dwight D. Eisenhower Library, Abilene, KS.
In-text (Robinson)

What MLA 9th edition includes

These are the details of the example above that the style prints, so they are the ones to collect for your own source.

  • Manuscript Title
  • Author(s)
  • Date Created
  • Manuscript Type
  • Archive/Collection
  • Archive location
  • URL

Record the archive or repository name, collection title, and any box/folder numbers. Note whether the manuscript is published or unpublished.

The formatting comes from the style's own file, so check the finer points against your guide. What to check by hand in MLA 9th edition.

A Manuscript in other styles

APA 7th edition Chicago 18th edition (notes and bibliography) Harvard (Cite Them Right 12th edition) IEEE Vancouver

Other sources in MLA 9th edition

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Figure Map Performance Event Pamphlet Preprint Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication Generative AI