How to identify a first printing
- Copyright page reads 'First published in [year] by Salmon Poetry' (Cliffs of Moher / Knockeven, Co. Clare); earlier titles read 'Salmon Publishing Ltd' with a Galway address.
- A first printing carries the first-published year and no reprint statement.
- No number line; almost all production is trade-paperback poetry, so the 'First published' line plus the absence of any 'reprinted' notice is the identifier.
- Address/imprint change dates editions: a Galway 'Salmon Publishing' imprint indicates pre-1994; a Co. Clare 'Salmon Poetry' imprint indicates 1994 onward.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1981 by Jessie Lendennie and Michael (Mike) Allen, growing out of the Galway Writers' Workshop; 'The Salmon' literary journal began in 1982, and book publishing began in 1984 (early collections by Eva Bourke and Rita Ann Higgins).
- Headquarters moved from Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare, in 1994; the name and address change (Salmon Publishing, Galway, to Salmon Poetry, Co. Clare) dates editions and distinguishes printings.
- Predominantly paperback poetry, noted for promoting women writers; hardbacks are uncommon and worth noting when present.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Salmon Publishing (earlier name), The Salmon (early literary journal). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Salmon Poetry (Salmon Publishing) book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Copyright page reads 'First published in [year] by Salmon Poetry' (Cliffs of Moher / Knockeven, Co. Clare); earlier titles read 'Salmon Publishing Ltd' with a Galway address. A first printing carries the first-published year and no reprint statement.
Does Salmon Poetry (Salmon Publishing) use a number line?
A first printing carries the first-published year and no reprint statement.
Is a book-club edition a Salmon Poetry (Salmon Publishing) first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1981 by Jessie Lendennie and Michael (Mike) Allen, growing out of the Galway Writers' Workshop; 'The Salmon' literary journal began in 1982, and book publishing began in 1984 (early collections by Eva Bourke and Rita Ann Higgins).
What era does this cover?
This covers Salmon Poetry (Salmon Publishing) (1981-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.