How to identify a first printing
- First printings carry a descending number line on the copyright page ending in '1' (often paired with a descending year line, e.g., '24 23 22 21 20 / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit indicates the printing.
- Most trade titles do not state the words 'First Edition'; identification is driven by the number line.
- Academic imprints (Baker Academic, Brazos) follow the same convention; later printings drop the lowest digits.
Notable points & cautions
- Baker Publishing Group is the umbrella for six divisions: Baker Books, Baker Academic, Bethany House, Brazos Press, Chosen, and Revell. Revell (Fleming H. Revell, founded 1870) was a much older independent house with offices in Chicago, New York, Toronto, London, and Edinburgh; Baker did not acquire it until 1992, so pre-1992 Revell books follow older, looser conventions and frequently state nothing.
- Bethany House (acquired 2003) is a major Christian-fiction imprint with large print runs and many reprintings, so the number line is essential for dating a printing.
- Chosen Books (charismatic/spiritual-gifts list) uses the same modern number-line system.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Baker Books, Baker Academic, Bethany House, Brazos Press, Chosen Books, Revell (Fleming H. Revell). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Baker Publishing Group book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings carry a descending number line on the copyright page ending in '1' (often paired with a descending year line, e.g., '24 23 22 21 20 / 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit indicates the printing. Most trade titles do not state the words 'First Edition'; identification is driven by the number line.
Does Baker Publishing Group use a number line?
Most trade titles do not state the words 'First Edition'; identification is driven by the number line.
Is a book-club edition a Baker Publishing Group first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Baker Publishing Group is the umbrella for six divisions: Baker Books, Baker Academic, Bethany House, Brazos Press, Chosen, and Revell. Revell (Fleming H. Revell, founded 1870) was a much older independent house with offices in Chicago, New York, Toronto, London, and Edinburgh; Baker did not acquire it until 1992, so pre-1992 Revell books follow older, looser conventions and frequently state nothing.
What era does this cover?
This covers Baker Publishing Group (Baker Book House founded 1939; Revell acquired 1992, Bethany House acquired 2003). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.