The points of issue
Jonathan Cape (UK) first edition, June 1977; copyright page reads First published 1977 with no later printings noted. The US edition (Coward, McCann and Geoghegan, also June 1977) carries no statement of later printings on a true first.
Is this the true first?
The Cape UK and Coward, McCann and Geoghegan US editions appeared essentially simultaneously in June 1977; no reliable source establishes clear precedence, and both are collected as firsts in their markets.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book club editions lack a printed price on the jacket flap and may carry a blind stamp or small dot on the lower rear board.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of If You Could See Me Now a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Jonathan Cape (UK) first edition, June 1977; copyright page reads First published 1977 with no later printings noted. The US edition (Coward, McCann and Geoghegan, also June 1977) carries no statement of later printings on a true first.
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 Cape UK and Coward, McCann and Geoghegan US editions appeared essentially simultaneously in June 1977; no reliable source establishes clear precedence, and both are collected as firsts in their markets.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book club editions lack a printed price on the jacket flap and may carry a blind stamp or small dot on the lower rear board.
I have a first edition of If You Could See Me Now — 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.