How to identify a first printing
- 2013-present (Deep Vellum imprint): First printings are identified by a complete descending number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' on the copyright page, the lowest digit indicating the printing. Titles are predominantly translation-focused paperback originals, so the first state is the trade paperback.
- Dalkey Archive under Deep Vellum (relaunch from 2022): reissued and new Dalkey titles carry Deep Vellum's imprint and follow its number-line practice; check the imprint/publisher line and copyright date to distinguish a Deep-Vellum-era Dalkey printing from an original John O'Brien-era Dalkey first (Dalkey was founded 1984 in Illinois).
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 2013 by Will Evans in Dallas; a nonprofit that also operates the Deep Vellum Books bookstore (opened 2015 in the Deep Ellum neighborhood).
- Acquired A Strange Object and Phoneme Media in 2019 and the assets of Dalkey Archive Press in November 2020 (relaunching Dalkey in April 2022) — so a post-acquisition Dalkey book is a Deep Vellum production, a critical distinction from John O'Brien-era Dalkey firsts.
- Predominantly first English translations, making many Deep Vellum editions the first English-language printing of the text.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Deep Vellum, Dalkey Archive Press (acquired November 2020; relaunched April 2022), A Strange Object, Phoneme Media, La Reunion. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Deep Vellum Publishing book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 2013-present (Deep Vellum imprint): First printings are identified by a complete descending number line '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' on the copyright page, the lowest digit indicating the printing. Titles are predominantly translation-focused paperback originals, so the first state is the trade paperback. Dalkey Archive under Deep Vellum (relaunch from 2022): reissued and new Dalkey titles carry Deep Vellum's imprint and follow its number-line practice; check the imprint/publisher line and copyright date to distinguish a Deep-Vellum-era Dalkey printing from an original John O'Brien-era Dalkey first (Dalkey was founded 1984 in Illinois).
Does Deep Vellum Publishing use a number line?
Dalkey Archive under Deep Vellum (relaunch from 2022): reissued and new Dalkey titles carry Deep Vellum's imprint and follow its number-line practice; check the imprint/publisher line and copyright date to distinguish a Deep-Vellum-era Dalkey printing from an original John O'Brien-era Dalkey first (Dalkey was founded 1984 in Illinois).
Is a book-club edition a Deep Vellum Publishing first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 2013 by Will Evans in Dallas; a nonprofit that also operates the Deep Vellum Books bookstore (opened 2015 in the Deep Ellum neighborhood).
What era does this cover?
This covers Deep Vellum Publishing (2013-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.