How to identify a first printing
- Standard descending number line on the copyright page (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a terminal '1' marks a first printing.
- A consistent number-line user; read the lowest digit in the line rather than looking for prose wording.
- Usually no separate prose 'First Edition' statement, so the number line is the operative key.
Notable points & cautions
- High-volume publisher of how-to, puzzles and games, reference, gift, and nature/field-guide-adjacent titles.
- Owned by Barnes & Noble for many years; the business rebranded as Union Square & Co. in 2022, so newer printings carry the Union Square & Co. or Union Square Kids imprint, which helps date them.
- Most titles are commodity nonfiction, so collectible interest is title-specific rather than house-wide.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Sterling Innovation, Sterling Children's Books, Union Square & Co. (post-2022 rebrand), Sterling Ethos, Puzzlewright Press, Lark Books, Hearst Books (distributed). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Sterling Publishing book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Standard descending number line on the copyright page (e.g. '10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1'); the lowest digit present indicates the printing, so a terminal '1' marks a first printing. A consistent number-line user; read the lowest digit in the line rather than looking for prose wording.
Does Sterling Publishing use a number line?
A consistent number-line user; read the lowest digit in the line rather than looking for prose wording.
Is a book-club edition a Sterling Publishing first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. High-volume publisher of how-to, puzzles and games, reference, gift, and nature/field-guide-adjacent titles.
What era does this cover?
This covers Sterling Publishing (1949-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.