How to identify a first printing
- First printings carry 'First U.S. edition' or 'First edition' on the copyright page together with a full descending number line ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a retained '1' marks the first.
- If the '1' has been stripped from the number line the book is a later printing, even where the 'First edition' wording was left standing in error.
- Soho Crime's signature compact small-trim hardcovers follow the same copyright-page convention as the parent Soho Press line.
Notable points & cautions
- Soho Crime is an imprint, not a separate company; copyright pages read 'Published by Soho Press, Inc.' regardless of the Soho Crime branding on the spine and jacket.
- Many Soho Crime titles are the first U.S. appearance of a translated or foreign author, so a 'First U.S. edition' can post-date a true first publication abroad — flag this for points-conscious collectors.
- Distinctive small-trim hardcovers; book-club editions are rare for this house, so a stated first with an intact number line is generally the true first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Soho Crime, Soho Teen, Soho Constellation, Hera (UK partner line). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Soho Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printings carry 'First U.S. edition' or 'First edition' on the copyright page together with a full descending number line ('10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a retained '1' marks the first. If the '1' has been stripped from the number line the book is a later printing, even where the 'First edition' wording was left standing in error.
Does Soho Press use a number line?
If the '1' has been stripped from the number line the book is a later printing, even where the 'First edition' wording was left standing in error.
Is a book-club edition a Soho Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Soho Crime is an imprint, not a separate company; copyright pages read 'Published by Soho Press, Inc.' regardless of the Soho Crime branding on the spine and jacket.
What era does this cover?
This covers Soho Press (1986–present (Soho Crime launched 1999)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.