How to Identify a Soho Crime / Soho Press First Edition

How to identify a first printing

• Modern descending number line on the copyright page; a first printing shows the full line ending in '1' (e.g., '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'). Lowest digit present = the printing.
• Often accompanied by a 'First published in the United States ...' or 'First edition' statement; rely on the number line as the controlling signal.
• Soho Crime hardcovers typically carry a matching price on the jacket flap; price-clipped or remainder marks indicate handling, not state.

Notable points & cautions

• Founded 1986 (Soho Press); Soho Crime line specializes in international/atmospheric crime (Cara Black, Qiu Xiaolong, Peter Lovesey reprints).
• Some Soho Crime titles appeared first in the UK or originating country; the US 'first' is then a first US/first-thus, not the true world first — note the copyright-page 'first published' wording.
• Trade-paperback originals exist for parts of the list; a paperback original is its own first, not a 'reprint' of a hardcover.

Imprints

First editions also appear under: Soho Press (parent), Soho Crime, Soho Teen. Each generally follows the house convention above.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my Soho Crime / Soho Press book is a first edition?

Check the copyright page. Modern descending number line on the copyright page; a first printing shows the full line ending in '1' (e.g., '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'). Lowest digit present = the printing. Often accompanied by a 'First published in the United States ...' or 'First edition' statement; rely on the number line as the controlling signal.

Does Soho Crime / Soho Press use a number line?

Often accompanied by a 'First published in the United States ...' or 'First edition' statement; rely on the number line as the controlling signal.

Is a book-club edition a Soho Crime / Soho Press first edition?

No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1986 (Soho Press); Soho Crime line specializes in international/atmospheric crime (Cara Black, Qiu Xiaolong, Peter Lovesey reprints).

What era does this cover?

This covers Soho Crime / Soho Press (1986-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.