The points of issue
Bluejay hardcover; copyright page states 'First Bluejay Printing: September 1986'; jacket art by Tom Kidd; priced jacket.
Is this the true first?
US Bluejay hardcover (September 1986) is the true first. Realtime/Bobble vol. 2; among the last Bluejay titles before the firm folded, distributed by St. Martin's.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club edition possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Marooned in Realtime a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Bluejay hardcover; copyright page states 'First Bluejay Printing: September 1986'; jacket art by Tom Kidd; priced 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. US Bluejay hardcover (September 1986) is the true first. Realtime/Bobble vol. 2; among the last Bluejay titles before the firm folded, distributed by St. Martin's.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club edition possible.
I have a first edition of Marooned in Realtime — 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.