The points of issue
First printing has 'First Edition' stated with a number line ending in 1, and the first-issue jacket shows the printed retail price. Won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2018. Signed first printings exist.
Is this the true first?
The US Mulholland Books edition (September 2017) is the true first, preceding the UK Serpent's Tail edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No meaningful book-club edition; signed first printings exist.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Bluebird, Bluebird a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First printing has 'First Edition' stated with a number line ending in 1, and the first-issue jacket shows the printed retail price. Won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2018. Signed first printings exist.
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 Mulholland Books edition (September 2017) is the true first, preceding the UK Serpent's Tail edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No meaningful book-club edition; signed first printings exist.
I have a first edition of Bluebird, Bluebird — 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.