The points of issue
US Del Rey hardcover published 11 August 2015; UK HarperVoyager hardcover followed on 13 August 2015. First printings of both carry a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
Is this the true first?
Effectively simultaneous, but the US Del Rey hardcover (11 August 2015) preceded the UK HarperVoyager hardcover (13 August 2015) by two days; both are collected as firsts, with technical precedence to the US.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings drop the 1 from the number line; check the full number line rather than the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Fool's Quest (Fitz and the Fool 2) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: US Del Rey hardcover published 11 August 2015; UK HarperVoyager hardcover followed on 13 August 2015. First printings of both carry a number line ending in 1 on the copyright page.
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. Effectively simultaneous, but the US Del Rey hardcover (11 August 2015) preceded the UK HarperVoyager hardcover (13 August 2015) by two days; both are collected as firsts, with technical precedence to the US.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings drop the 1 from the number line; check the full number line rather than the jacket.
I have a first edition of Fool's Quest (Fitz and the Fool 2) — 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.