The points of issue
Avon mass-market paperback original, one of the early 'big book' Avon romance originals. The first printing is identified by the original cover price and a clean copyright page with no later-printing line. The much-cited fold-out island map insert is associated with the title but is documented chiefly in later printings, so its presence is not a reliable first-printing point.
Is this the true first?
The 1977 Avon paperback original is the true first; the mass-market-original format is itself the defining point, consistent with Woodiwiss building the paperback-original romance market.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Distinguish the first printing by the original cover price and absence of a numbered printing line. Hardcover copies do appear in the trade, but they are uncommon and at least some are described by dealers as possible rebinds or later issues rather than a true hardcover first, so a hardcover should not be assumed to precede the paperback.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Shanna a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Avon mass-market paperback original, one of the early 'big book' Avon romance originals. The first printing is identified by the original cover price and a clean copyright page with no later-printing line. The much-cited fold-out island map insert is associated with the title but is documented chiefly in later printings, so its presence is not a reliable first-printing point.
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 1977 Avon paperback original is the true first; the mass-market-original format is itself the defining point, consistent with Woodiwiss building the paperback-original romance market.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Distinguish the first printing by the original cover price and absence of a numbered printing line. Hardcover copies do appear in the trade, but they are uncommon and at least some are described by dealers as possible rebinds or later issues rather than a true hardcover first, so a hardcover should not be assumed to precede the paperback.
I have a first edition of Shanna — 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.