The fastest check: Number line on the copyright page where present; the lowest number indicates the printing.
How to identify a first printing
- Number line on the copyright page where present; the lowest number indicates the printing.
- Often states 'First Edition' with the year.
- Single-printing titles are common; the absence of a later-printing statement supports a first.
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
- Founded in 2004 by Kazim Ali and Jennifer Chapis as a nonprofit literary press; its first book appeared in 2005. Stephen Motika became publisher in 2007.
- Strong in queer and experimental poetry, translation, and intergenre work; the catalog now exceeds 250 titles.
- The main identification risk is an advanced number line surviving onto a later printing; no book-club or false-first issues of note.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Nightboat Poetry Prize (historical). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Nightboat Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Number line on the copyright page where present; the lowest number indicates the printing. Often states 'First Edition' with the year.
Does Nightboat Books use a number line?
Often states 'First Edition' with the year.
Is a book-club edition a Nightboat Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded in 2004 by Kazim Ali and Jennifer Chapis as a nonprofit literary press; its first book appeared in 2005. Stephen Motika became publisher in 2007.
What era does this cover?
This covers Nightboat Books (2004–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.