The points of issue
Night Shade Books hardcover, 2009; first printing with a full number line ending in 1 and a priced dust jacket. The decisive first-printing point: a production error omitted the acknowledgments page, so the true first printing has no acknowledgments; the acknowledgments were added on page 361 from the second printing onward. A separate signed/limited issue was also produced.
Is this the true first?
The US Night Shade Books 2009 hardcover is the true first; the UK Orbit edition (2010) is later. The Night Shade signed/limited is a distinct collectible state.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No prominent book club edition. Distinguish the trade first (no acknowledgments page) from the signed/limited issue and from later printings, which add the acknowledgments and advance the number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Windup Girl a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Night Shade Books hardcover, 2009; first printing with a full number line ending in 1 and a priced dust jacket. The decisive first-printing point: a production error omitted the acknowledgments page, so the true first printing has no acknowledgments; the acknowledgments were added on page 361 from the second printing onward. A separate signed/limited issue was also produced.
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 Night Shade Books 2009 hardcover is the true first; the UK Orbit edition (2010) is later. The Night Shade signed/limited is a distinct collectible state.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No prominent book club edition. Distinguish the trade first (no acknowledgments page) from the signed/limited issue and from later printings, which add the acknowledgments and advance the number line.
I have a first edition of The Windup Girl — 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.