The cover of this book will most likely be labeled as “advanced reading copy” (ARCs). Advanced Reading Copyįinally, advanced reading copies go out to booksellers and reviewers. They fall into the category of a true first edition if they are printed simultaneously with the original book. First Trade Editionįirst trade editions are another type of printing distributed for general commercial sale. The author generally signs these, and the publication is purposefully limited. Limited EditionĪ limited edition is a publication with a restricted number of copies, meaning a smaller number of copies are ordered and no more will be printed once these are sold. These changes are called “states,” so the most valuable and expensive first edition copy may bear the title of “First edition, first state.” It is the hardest thing to get.

Each collector is interested in the first edition, the original copy, which means the very first copy that was published before any changes were made during the production of the first printing. It’s also useful to understand what the first state means with regards to first editions. While the second printings are printed early in a book’s life cycle, they are not considered first editions. The publishing company received more requests for the book than the number of first editions printed for the first publication date. A second printing means the publisher was able to successfully promote the book. The first edition may also include a second printing.

Ben hur book first edition