How to identify a first printing
- Independent Rodale era: number-line based, with the first printing line ending in 1; a copyright year and sometimes an edition statement are usually present.
- Post-2018 (trade assets acquired by Crown Publishing Group / Penguin Random House): follows the Crown convention of a stated 'First Edition' plus a full number line ending in 1 on the true first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Health, cooking, gardening and wellness lifestyle publisher (organic gardening, the 'Prevention' brand cookbooks, the South Beach Diet titles).
- Rodale's trade book assets were acquired by Penguin Random House in early 2018 (after Hearst's purchase of Rodale, Inc.) and folded into Crown Publishing Group's illustrated and lifestyle division; modern titles follow the Crown convention, so note the ownership change when dating the rule.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Rodale Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Independent Rodale era: number-line based, with the first printing line ending in 1; a copyright year and sometimes an edition statement are usually present. Post-2018 (trade assets acquired by Crown Publishing Group / Penguin Random House): follows the Crown convention of a stated 'First Edition' plus a full number line ending in 1 on the true first printing.
Does Rodale Books use a number line?
Post-2018 (trade assets acquired by Crown Publishing Group / Penguin Random House): follows the Crown convention of a stated 'First Edition' plus a full number line ending in 1 on the true first printing.
Is a book-club edition a Rodale Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Health, cooking, gardening and wellness lifestyle publisher (organic gardening, the 'Prevention' brand cookbooks, the South Beach Diet titles).
What era does this cover?
This covers Rodale Books (1942-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.