How to identify a first printing
- Trade hardcover and paperback house: a first printing typically states 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries a number line whose lowest digit is 1; a missing 1 indicates a later printing
- Many titles are reprints, anthologies, or first-collected/first-U.S. editions, so the Tachyon volume may be a first printing of that edition without being the first appearance of the contents — read the copyright page and any acknowledgments for prior publication
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1995 in San Francisco by Jacob Weisman; a literary SF/fantasy/horror trade press publishing originals, reprints, anthologies, and award-winning novellas (authors include Peter S. Beagle and Nancy Kress)
- A trade publisher rather than a multi-state limited press, so printing-state identification by number line and edition statement is the standard method
- Some titles are first U.S. or first collected editions rather than the first appearance of the work
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Tachyon Publications book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Trade hardcover and paperback house: a first printing typically states 'First Edition' on the copyright page and carries a number line whose lowest digit is 1; a missing 1 indicates a later printing Many titles are reprints, anthologies, or first-collected/first-U.S. editions, so the Tachyon volume may be a first printing of that edition without being the first appearance of the contents — read the copyright page and any acknowledgments for prior publication
Does Tachyon Publications use a number line?
Many titles are reprints, anthologies, or first-collected/first-U.S. editions, so the Tachyon volume may be a first printing of that edition without being the first appearance of the contents — read the copyright page and any acknowledgments for prior publication
Is a book-club edition a Tachyon Publications first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1995 in San Francisco by Jacob Weisman; a literary SF/fantasy/horror trade press publishing originals, reprints, anthologies, and award-winning novellas (authors include Peter S. Beagle and Nancy Kress)
What era does this cover?
This covers Tachyon Publications (1995–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.