The points of issue
'First Edition' on the copyright page plus gutter code 'P8' (or related Doubleday code) on the last text page. First-issue dust jacket priced the printed price. The notorious first-issue jacket point: the rear panel author photo — first-state jackets are sometimes cited for the 'Cody, Father Callahan' text errors; the decisive points are the gutter code and the printed price.
Is this the true first?
US Doubleday 1975 true first. The book was titled 'Salem's Lot' (publisher dropped 'Jerusalem's'). First state identified by gutter code + the printed price jacket; book-club lacks the code.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Book-club: no gutter code, rear-board blind-stamp, no jacket price. The trade first is told from the BCE by the presence of the Doubleday gutter code on the final page of text.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Salem's Lot a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: 'First Edition' on the copyright page plus gutter code 'P8' (or related Doubleday code) on the last text page. First-issue dust jacket priced the printed price. The notorious first-issue jacket point: the rear panel author photo — first-state jackets are sometimes cited for the 'Cody, Father Callahan' text errors; the decisive points are the gutter code and the printed 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 1975 true first. The book was titled 'Salem's Lot' (publisher dropped 'Jerusalem's'). First state identified by gutter code + the printed price jacket; book-club lacks the code.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Book-club: no gutter code, rear-board blind-stamp, no jacket price. The trade first is told from the BCE by the presence of the Doubleday gutter code on the final page of text.
I have a first edition of Salem's Lot — 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.