How to identify a first printing
- States 'First Edition' on the copyright page WITH a descending number line ending in 1 (e.g. '0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' or with the lowest being 1).
- Tor's reliable test: the explicit 'First Edition' line PLUS the number line — both must be present for a hardcover first.
- Mass-market paperback originals: 'First Tor edition (Month Year)' / 'First printing' with no later printings.
- Forge uses the identical convention (sister SF/historical imprint).
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1980 by Tom Doherty; the leading US SF/fantasy house. Now part of Macmillan (Tom Doherty Associates), so follows Macmillan 'First Edition' + line-to-1 convention.
- Tor frequently issues a title FIRST as a hardcover then a mass-market; both can exist — the hardcover with 'First Edition' + line-to-1 is the true first.
- Tordotcom (novellas) and Tor Nightfire (horror) follow the same convention.
- Orb is a trade-paperback REPRINT line — usually NOT a first.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Forge (historical/thriller), Tor.com / Tordotcom, Tor Teen, Orb (reprints), Tor Nightfire (horror), Starscape, Nightshade (later). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Tor Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. States 'First Edition' on the copyright page WITH a descending number line ending in 1 (e.g. '0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1' or with the lowest being 1). Tor's reliable test: the explicit 'First Edition' line PLUS the number line — both must be present for a hardcover first.
Does Tor Books use a number line?
Tor's reliable test: the explicit 'First Edition' line PLUS the number line — both must be present for a hardcover first.
Is a book-club edition a Tor Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1980 by Tom Doherty; the leading US SF/fantasy house. Now part of Macmillan (Tom Doherty Associates), so follows Macmillan 'First Edition' + line-to-1 convention.
What era does this cover?
This covers Tor Books (1980–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.