How to Find First Edition Books: Getting Started. First things first: definitions and identification. A first edition is the very first cover, design, format, etc., that a book is published with. A first printing is the very first round of books printed. How does one identify a first edition? Each publisher has its own way of identifying first editions of its publications, and even those are not always consistent, especially when taken over a span of years or decades. Many state “First Edition,” usually on the copyright page, which is generally the back of the title page. Zrj5wC. For publishers, “first edition” may just mean the first version of the text, without significant revisions. Many publishers will print the hardcover edition of a book and call that a first edition, then print the same text in paperback and call it a first edition as well. Call-Outs Call-out terms like ‘Best Selling ,’ ‘Award-Winning,’ or ‘Now a Major Motion Picture’ are all clear indicators that a book is not the first edition. After all, it’s been out long enough to top the charts, racking up awards, and be adapted into a movie. How does one identify a first edition? Each publisher has its own way of identifying first editions of its publications, and even those are not always consistent, especially when taken over a span of years or decades. Many state “First Edition,” usually on the copyright page, which is generally the back of the title page. How to Find First Edition Books: Getting Started. First things first: definitions and identification. A first edition is the very first cover, design, format, etc., that a book is published with. A first printing is the very first round of books printed.

what is a first edition book