The points of issue
Two distinct 2008 firsts. US HarperCollins first printing: states First Edition with a complete number line ending in 1, Dave McKean cover and interior art, printed price on the jacket. UK Bloomsbury Children's first printing: Chris Riddell illustrations, number line ending in 1, priced UK jacket. Match the illustrator to the issue.
Is this the true first?
The US HarperCollins edition (released September 30, 2008) preceded the UK Bloomsbury edition (late October 2008). Because the two markets used different illustrators (McKean in the US, Riddell in the UK Children's edition), collectors treat each as the first of its own issue rather than one true first.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings carry number lines that no longer end in 1. Confirm the issue by matching illustrator: McKean for the US HarperCollins first, Riddell for the UK Bloomsbury Children's first.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Graveyard Book a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Two distinct 2008 firsts. US HarperCollins first printing: states First Edition with a complete number line ending in 1, Dave McKean cover and interior art, printed price on the jacket. UK Bloomsbury Children's first printing: Chris Riddell illustrations, number line ending in 1, priced UK jacket. Match the illustrator to the issue.
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 US HarperCollins edition (released September 30, 2008) preceded the UK Bloomsbury edition (late October 2008). Because the two markets used different illustrators (McKean in the US, Riddell in the UK Children's edition), collectors treat each as the first of its own issue rather than one true fi
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings carry number lines that no longer end in 1. Confirm the issue by matching illustrator: McKean for the US HarperCollins first, Riddell for the UK Bloomsbury Children's first.
I have a first edition of The Graveyard Book — 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.