How to identify a first printing
- Trade paperback and hardcover originals state the 'First published' year and carry a number line on the copyright page; the first printing is the state retaining the lowest number ('1'). UK printings often use a split-style line such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, but the exact sequence varies by printer, so identify the first by the lowest digit present rather than a fixed string.
- Originally under BL Publishing (a Games Workshop division), then Rebellion from 2009 — the parent name on the copyright page dates the edition.
- Abaddon Books (shared-world/franchise fiction) is the sister imprint and carries its own title-page branding.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded February 2007 under BL Publishing (Games Workshop) to serve genre midlist alongside Black Library; acquired by Rebellion (publisher of 2000 AD) in September 2009 — the ownership change is a copyright-page tell.
- Sister imprint Abaddon Books handles original shared-world series; both follow the standard UK number-line convention.
- A trade publisher, not a limited-edition house.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Abaddon Books (sister imprint), Solaris Satellites (novella line). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Solaris Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Trade paperback and hardcover originals state the 'First published' year and carry a number line on the copyright page; the first printing is the state retaining the lowest number ('1'). UK printings often use a split-style line such as 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2, but the exact sequence varies by printer, so identify the first by the lowest digit present rather than a fixed string. Originally under BL Publishing (a Games Workshop division), then Rebellion from 2009 — the parent name on the copyright page dates the edition.
Does Solaris Books use a number line?
Originally under BL Publishing (a Games Workshop division), then Rebellion from 2009 — the parent name on the copyright page dates the edition.
Is a book-club edition a Solaris Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded February 2007 under BL Publishing (Games Workshop) to serve genre midlist alongside Black Library; acquired by Rebellion (publisher of 2000 AD) in September 2009 — the ownership change is a copyright-page tell.
What era does this cover?
This covers Solaris Books (2007–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.