The points of issue
Discworld 3; the first Discworld novel issued by Gollancz. First impression of 2,850 copies published 15 January 1987, with the title page reading Victor Gollancz in association with Colin Smythe; once Smythe became Pratchett's agent the co-publishing ceased and later printings appear under Gollancz's sole imprint. First impression carries no reprint or later-impression statement. Green boards lettered gilt on the spine; dust jacket with Josh Kirby artwork, flap priced 9.95 pounds, not the plain yellow Gollancz house jacket.
Is this the true first?
UK Gollancz/Colin Smythe joint-imprint first impression is the true first; the first two Discworld books had come from Colin Smythe alone. US publication followed in 1988 via NAL, with the Signet paperback issued September 1988.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later Gollancz-only printings, BCA book club copies, and Corgi paperbacks are not firsts; the 1988 US NAL hardcover is a book club product.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Equal Rites a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Discworld 3; the first Discworld novel issued by Gollancz. First impression of 2,850 copies published 15 January 1987, with the title page reading Victor Gollancz in association with Colin Smythe; once Smythe became Pratchett's agent the co-publishing ceased and later printings appear under Gollancz's sole imprint. First impression carries no reprint or later-impression statement. Green boards lettered gilt on the spine; dust jacket with Josh Kirby artwork, flap priced 9.95 pounds, not the plain yellow Gollancz house jacket.
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. UK Gollancz/Colin Smythe joint-imprint first impression is the true first; the first two Discworld books had come from Colin Smythe alone. US publication followed in 1988 via NAL, with the Signet paperback issued September 1988.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later Gollancz-only printings, BCA book club copies, and Corgi paperbacks are not firsts; the 1988 US NAL hardcover is a book club product.
I have a first edition of Equal Rites — 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.