The fastest check: Stated "First Edition" plus number line ending in 1 for first printing
How to identify a first printing
- Stated "First Edition" plus number line ending in 1 for first printing
- First printing: full number line counting down to 1 with no later-printing notice, following St. Martin's/Macmillan practice
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- Crime, mystery, suspense, and thriller imprint within the St. Martin's Publishing Group at Macmillan, launched in 1999
- Co-sponsors the long-running Minotaur Books / Mystery Writers of America First Crime Novel Competition
- Identification follows St. Martin's/Macmillan conventions
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Minotaur. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Minotaur Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Stated "First Edition" plus number line ending in 1 for first printing First printing: full number line counting down to 1 with no later-printing notice, following St. Martin's/Macmillan practice
Does Minotaur Books use a number line?
First printing: full number line counting down to 1 with no later-printing notice, following St. Martin's/Macmillan practice
Is a book-club edition a Minotaur Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Crime, mystery, suspense, and thriller imprint within the St. Martin's Publishing Group at Macmillan, launched in 1999
What era does this cover?
This covers Minotaur Books (1999–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.