The points of issue
Hardback in boards with gilt-titled spine, in dust jacket; first printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1.
Is this the true first?
The UK Sceptre and US Random House hardcovers were both published on 27 October 2015, so UK precedence over the US edition is not reliably established; treat them as effectively simultaneous and identify each by its own publisher imprint and number line rather than by precedence. A signed US issue also exists.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings carry an impression statement and the number line no longer ends in 1.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Slade House a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Hardback in boards with gilt-titled spine, in dust jacket; first printing identified by a complete number line ending in 1.
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 UK Sceptre and US Random House hardcovers were both published on 27 October 2015, so UK precedence over the US edition is not reliably established; treat them as effectively simultaneous and identify each by its own publisher imprint and number line rather than by precedence. A signed US issue a
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings carry an impression statement and the number line no longer ends in 1.
I have a first edition of Slade House — 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.