The points of issue
Code 'P6' on the bottom of the last text page (gutter code, Doubleday convention). 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page (often, but the gutter code is decisive). Dust jacket priced the printed price and does NOT mention 'The Shining' or later King titles on the rear panel; the jacket flap mentions only Carrie. First-issue jacket has the printed price with no clipping.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday 1974 is the true first (King's first novel). The UK New English Library edition (1974) is the first British. First state is identified by the 'P6' gutter code plus the the printed price jacket; book-club copies lack the gutter code.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club editions: no gutter code, smaller and lighter, blind-stamped 'gull' or square indentation on rear board, jacket has no price (price replaced by a code), and the paper stock is cheaper. The presence of any gutter code = trade first; its absence = book club.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Carrie a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Code 'P6' on the bottom of the last text page (gutter code, Doubleday convention). 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page (often, but the gutter code is decisive). Dust jacket priced the printed price and does NOT mention 'The Shining' or later King titles on the rear panel; the jacket flap mentions only Carrie. First-issue jacket has the printed price with no clipping.
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. US Doubleday 1974 is the true first (King's first novel). The UK New English Library edition (1974) is the first British. First state is identified by the 'P6' gutter code plus the the printed price jacket; book-club copies lack the gutter code.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club editions: no gutter code, smaller and lighter, blind-stamped 'gull' or square indentation on rear board, jacket has no price (price replaced by a code), and the paper stock is cheaper. The presence of any gutter code = trade first; its absence = book club.
I have a first edition of Carrie — 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.