How to identify a first printing
- UK number-line convention on the copyright/imprint page; lowest number indicates the printing, '1' present = first printing.
- Some titles carry only a printing/order code rather than a full key — when no key is present, rely on stated copyright year, ISBN, and absence of later-printing notices.
- No standardized 'First Edition' statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Launched 1972 as the general non-fiction arm of the Music Sales Group; refocused exclusively on music books after editor Chris Charlesworth joined in 1983, growing into the world's largest specialist music-book publisher.
- Strong collector demand for early rock/pop band biographies and authorized photo books; condition and dust jacket drive value more than fine printing points.
- Parent Music Sales also issues sheet-music folios where the first-edition concept does not apply in the usual way.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Music Sales (parent). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Omnibus Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. UK number-line convention on the copyright/imprint page; lowest number indicates the printing, '1' present = first printing. Some titles carry only a printing/order code rather than a full key — when no key is present, rely on stated copyright year, ISBN, and absence of later-printing notices.
Does Omnibus Press use a number line?
Some titles carry only a printing/order code rather than a full key — when no key is present, rely on stated copyright year, ISBN, and absence of later-printing notices.
Is a book-club edition a Omnibus Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Launched 1972 as the general non-fiction arm of the Music Sales Group; refocused exclusively on music books after editor Chris Charlesworth joined in 1983, growing into the world's largest specialist music-book publisher.
What era does this cover?
This covers Omnibus Press (1972-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.