The fastest check: Number-line based: the first printing carries a line ending in 1, with the low digits dropping out on later printings.
How to identify a first printing
- Number-line based: the first printing carries a line ending in 1, with the low digits dropping out on later printings.
- As a Workman imprint, modern titles commonly also carry a printing statement; confirm the number line ends in 1.
- Earlier (pre-Workman, Storey Communications) titles are less consistent in their copyright-page formatting, so rely primarily on the number line.
Decode the printer's key: paste the number line into the number-line decoder, search any title in the First Edition Checker, or run a book through the identifier.
Notable points & cautions
- Country-skills, homesteading and food-preservation lifestyle publisher (canning, gardening, livestock, fermentation).
- Became a Workman imprint in 2001 when Workman acquired a majority stake; now part of Hachette Book Group via the 2021 Workman acquisition.
- Many titles run through multiple revised editions (for example the 'Storey's Guide to...' series) -- distinguish a new EDITION from a new PRINTING by reading the edition statement on the title and copyright pages.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Storey Publishing book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Number-line based: the first printing carries a line ending in 1, with the low digits dropping out on later printings. As a Workman imprint, modern titles commonly also carry a printing statement; confirm the number line ends in 1.
Does Storey Publishing use a number line?
As a Workman imprint, modern titles commonly also carry a printing statement; confirm the number line ends in 1.
Is a book-club edition a Storey Publishing first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Country-skills, homesteading and food-preservation lifestyle publisher (canning, gardening, livestock, fermentation).
What era does this cover?
This covers Storey Publishing (1983-present (as Storey)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.