The points of issue
'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with the Doubleday gutter code 'Q35' (final text page). Dust jacket priced the printed price. First state has the gutter code, stated First Edition, and original jacket price.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday 1983 true first. UK Hodder & Stoughton (1983) first British. The decisive trade-first point is the 'Q35' gutter code with stated First Edition.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club lacks the gutter code, has the rear-board blind-stamp, and no jacket price. Gutter code present = trade first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Pet Sematary a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'First Edition' stated on the copyright page with the Doubleday gutter code 'Q35' (final text page). Dust jacket priced the printed price. First state has the gutter code, stated First Edition, and original jacket price.
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 Doubleday 1983 true first. UK Hodder & Stoughton (1983) first British. The decisive trade-first point is the 'Q35' gutter code with stated First Edition.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club lacks the gutter code, has the rear-board blind-stamp, and no jacket price. Gutter code present = trade first.
I have a first edition of Pet Sematary — 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.