How to identify a first printing
- Modern ECW titles state 'first edition' and carry a number line on the copyright page; '1' present = first printing.
- For pop-culture/nonfiction titles that reprint, verify that the number line drops digits on later printings.
- Earlier ECW (Essays on Canadian Writing era) scholarly/literary titles: rely on the copyright year and the absence of reprint statements.
Notable points & cautions
- Originated from the critical journal 'Essays on Canadian Writing' (hence ECW), founded 1974 by Jack David; David launched the book-publishing imprint ECW Press in 1979 with Robert Lecker, who left the company in 2003.
- Evolved into a broad independent trade house (literary fiction, poetry, music and pop-culture nonfiction, sports, true crime).
- Eclectic list; recent titles follow standardized modern practice (stated first edition plus number line). Pre-1990 scholarly-imprint conventions are less standardized and should be checked individually.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: ECW Press, Misfit (YA/genre), a misFit book. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my ECW Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern ECW titles state 'first edition' and carry a number line on the copyright page; '1' present = first printing. For pop-culture/nonfiction titles that reprint, verify that the number line drops digits on later printings.
Does ECW Press use a number line?
For pop-culture/nonfiction titles that reprint, verify that the number line drops digits on later printings.
Is a book-club edition a ECW Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Originated from the critical journal 'Essays on Canadian Writing' (hence ECW), founded 1974 by Jack David; David launched the book-publishing imprint ECW Press in 1979 with Robert Lecker, who left the company in 2003.
What era does this cover?
This covers ECW Press (1974 (journal founded); 1979-present (book publishing)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.