The points of issue
Copyright page states 'First Edition: September 1999' with the full Tor number line 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (line must end in 1); priced jacket. Shadow Saga vol. 1, a parallel novel to Ender's Game.
Is this the true first?
US Tor hardcover (1999) is the true first; the UK Orbit hardcover followed later the same year.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
SFBC book club edition exists; it lacks the jacket price and full number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Ender's Shadow a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Copyright page states 'First Edition: September 1999' with the full Tor number line 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (line must end in 1); priced jacket. Shadow Saga vol. 1, a parallel novel to Ender's Game.
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 Tor hardcover (1999) is the true first; the UK Orbit hardcover followed later the same year.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
SFBC book club edition exists; it lacks the jacket price and full number line.
I have a first edition of Ender's Shadow — 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.