How to identify a first printing
- On a first printing, look for a descending number line on the copyright page whose lowest digit is 1; the lowest digit present equals the printing.
- Many Hay House copyright pages also carry an explicit edition-and-date line such as '1st edition, [Month Year]', which when present is a helpful corroborating signal, though it should be cross-checked against the number line rather than relied on alone.
- Later printings increment the stated edition or printing line and drop the lowest number-line digits.
- The copyright-page imprint city distinguishes the US edition from the separate Hay House UK, Australia, and India editions.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded by Louise Hay in 1984 to publish her own 'You Can Heal Your Life'; now a major New Age, self-help, and mind-body-spirit house (Wayne Dyer, Esther and Jerry Hicks, and others).
- Balboa Press is Hay House's paid self-publishing arm (a partnership with Author Solutions); Balboa titles are print-on-demand and have no meaningful collectible 'first edition' point.
- Multiple regional Hay House entities (US, UK, Australia, India) co-publish, so the copyright-page imprint city tells you which edition you hold.
- Early printings of 'You Can Heal Your Life' (Hay House, 1984, originally a slim Santa Monica, California edition) are sought after; verify via the stated edition and number line.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Hay House, Balboa Press (self-publishing division), SmileyBooks. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Hay House book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. On a first printing, look for a descending number line on the copyright page whose lowest digit is 1; the lowest digit present equals the printing. Many Hay House copyright pages also carry an explicit edition-and-date line such as '1st edition, [Month Year]', which when present is a helpful corroborating signal, though it should be cross-checked against the number line rather than relied on alone.
Does Hay House use a number line?
Many Hay House copyright pages also carry an explicit edition-and-date line such as '1st edition, [Month Year]', which when present is a helpful corroborating signal, though it should be cross-checked against the number line rather than relied on alone.
Is a book-club edition a Hay House first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded by Louise Hay in 1984 to publish her own 'You Can Heal Your Life'; now a major New Age, self-help, and mind-body-spirit house (Wayne Dyer, Esther and Jerry Hicks, and others).
What era does this cover?
This covers Hay House (1984-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.