How to identify a first printing
- First printing identified by 'First edition' or 'First printing' on the copyright page, and/or a number line whose lowest digit is 1. Absence of any later-printing notice indicates a first printing.
- Many poetry titles are single-printing; when a title is reprinted, the copyright page states the later printing.
- Number lines appear more consistently on 1990s-2000s titles than on the earliest releases; a line ending in 1 indicates the first printing.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1984 by Robert McDowell (with Mark Jarman and Lysa McDowell); McDowell served as cofounder and executive director.
- Central press of the New Formalism / New Narrative movement; grew out of the magazine The Reaper, which Mark Jarman and Robert McDowell started in 1980 to promote narrative and formal verse (The Reaper ran 1980-1989).
- Recognized by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation among influential independent literary publishers; published New Formalist poets and ran prize series.
- The McDowell era is the collectible window; backlist/assets were later transferred within Red Hen Press circles.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Story Line Press, The Reaper (associated magazine, not a book imprint). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Story Line Press book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. First printing identified by 'First edition' or 'First printing' on the copyright page, and/or a number line whose lowest digit is 1. Absence of any later-printing notice indicates a first printing. Many poetry titles are single-printing; when a title is reprinted, the copyright page states the later printing.
Does Story Line Press use a number line?
Many poetry titles are single-printing; when a title is reprinted, the copyright page states the later printing.
Is a book-club edition a Story Line Press first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1984 by Robert McDowell (with Mark Jarman and Lysa McDowell); McDowell served as cofounder and executive director.
What era does this cover?
This covers Story Line Press (1984-c.2008). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.