The points of issue
Advance/uncorrected proofs and ARCs (galleys) precede the trade first and are identified by plain printed wrappers, 'UNCORRECTED PROOF'/'ADVANCE READING COPY' statements, often a different (sometimes provisional) price/date, and textual differences later corrected in the trade. They are NOT 'first editions' bibliographically but precede them in production.
Is this the true first?
A bound proof/galley precedes the published trade first; collectors value review copies, ARCs, and salesman's dummies as pre-first states. Precedence: manuscript > galley/proof > advance review copy > trade first edition > later printings.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Proofs are distinguished from the trade first by wrapper format and proof statements; a proof is never a book-club edition. Beware reprints of proofs and 'made' proof wrappers.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Sun Also Rises (advance/proof) — and general proof note a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Advance/uncorrected proofs and ARCs (galleys) precede the trade first and are identified by plain printed wrappers, 'UNCORRECTED PROOF'/'ADVANCE READING COPY' statements, often a different (sometimes provisional) price/date, and textual differences later corrected in the trade. They are NOT 'first editions' bibliographically but precede them in production.
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. A bound proof/galley precedes the published trade first; collectors value review copies, ARCs, and salesman's dummies as pre-first states. Precedence: manuscript > galley/proof > advance review copy > trade first edition > later printings.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Proofs are distinguished from the trade first by wrapper format and proof statements; a proof is never a book-club edition. Beware reprints of proofs and 'made' proof wrappers.
I have a first edition of The Sun Also Rises (advance/proof) — and general proof note — 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.