How to identify a first printing
- Modern: states 'First Edition' on the copyright page AND uses a descending number line; first printing retains the lowest number (1 or, for Warner-era, sometimes 10).
- Warner Books-era (pre-2007): 'First Printing: (Month Year)' on the copyright page plus a number line; true first lists only the first printing.
- Hachette-family convention: 'First Edition' / 'First Printing' statement is the reliable signal alongside the line.
- Absence of later printings on the copyright page confirms a first.
Notable points & cautions
- Was Warner Books until 2007, when Hachette acquired Time Warner Book Group and renamed it Grand Central Publishing.
- Now part of Hachette Book Group USA.
- Mulholland Books is the crime/thriller imprint (launched 2011) — same Hachette convention.
- Twelve is the prestige one-book-a-month imprint; Forever is the romance line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Warner Books (former name), Twelve, Forever (romance), Vision, GCP Balance, Mulholland Books (sister, crime). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Grand Central Publishing book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern: states 'First Edition' on the copyright page AND uses a descending number line; first printing retains the lowest number (1 or, for Warner-era, sometimes 10). Warner Books-era (pre-2007): 'First Printing: (Month Year)' on the copyright page plus a number line; true first lists only the first printing.
Does Grand Central Publishing use a number line?
Warner Books-era (pre-2007): 'First Printing: (Month Year)' on the copyright page plus a number line; true first lists only the first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Grand Central Publishing first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Was Warner Books until 2007, when Hachette acquired Time Warner Book Group and renamed it Grand Central Publishing.
What era does this cover?
This covers Grand Central Publishing (1970s (as Warner)–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.