How should one list books with multiple authors when citing them?

When citing books with multiple authors, list all authors' last names and initials, separating each with a comma and using an ampersand (& in APA) or "and" (in MLA, Chicago) before the final author. Essential citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago) dictate specific formatting rules. For APA (7th ed.), include all authors for works with up to 20 authors; use an ellipsis (...) after the 19th author, followed by the last author if exceeding 20. MLA (9th ed.) advises listing up to two authors; for three or more, list only the first author followed by "et al." In-text citations consistently truncate after the first author using "et al." for three or more authors in both APA and MLA. Verify the punctuation requirements (e.g., commas, periods, parentheses) mandated by your chosen style guide. Determine your required style guide first. Consult its authoritative manual for exact formatting. Gather all authors' names in order. Apply the guide's rules for listing names, year of publication, italicized book title, publisher location, and publisher name in the reference list. Precise formatting ensures scholarly integrity, avoids plagiarism, and enables readers to locate the source.