The points of issue
The 1970 Bradbury Press first printing is identified by the copyright page stating 'first printing' (not by an absence of any printing statement). Bound in light blue cloth stamped in yellow; first-issue jacket designed by Eros Keith with the original price to the front flap. Genuinely uncommon in first printing because early copies were heavily read.
Is this the true first?
The US Bradbury Press 1970 edition is the true first. Later issues moved to Dell paperback and other hardcover imprints. A first-printing Bradbury in the original jacket is uncommon.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club and Dell paperback issues are later. The Bradbury first is identified by the imprint and an explicit 'first printing' line on the copyright page; book-club copies typically lack the printed flap price and may carry a blind-stamp.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: The 1970 Bradbury Press first printing is identified by the copyright page stating 'first printing' (not by an absence of any printing statement). Bound in light blue cloth stamped in yellow; first-issue jacket designed by Eros Keith with the original price to the front flap. Genuinely uncommon in first printing because early copies were heavily read.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The US Bradbury Press 1970 edition is the true first. Later issues moved to Dell paperback and other hardcover imprints. A first-printing Bradbury in the original jacket is uncommon.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club and Dell paperback issues are later. The Bradbury first is identified by the imprint and an explicit 'first printing' line on the copyright page; book-club copies typically lack the printed flap price and may carry a blind-stamp.
I have a first edition of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.