How to identify a first printing
- Modern convention: copyright page states 'First Edition' with a descending number line; '1' present indicates the first printing.
- Distinctive minimalist design (heavy use of blind/letterpress-style covers); design is a house signature, not a printing point.
- First lacks later-printing notice.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 2005 in Seattle by Charlie Wright; absorbed/continued Verse Press (founded 2000, Matthew Zapruder/Joshua Beckman) — pre-2005 titles may bear the Verse Press imprint.
- Publishes Mary Ruefle, CAConrad, Eileen Myles, Dorothea Lasky; known for fine production and special signed/limited issues with rear colophons.
- Young press, so number-line/stated-first practice is consistent; Verse Press predecessor titles should be identified under that name.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Wave Books book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Modern convention: copyright page states 'First Edition' with a descending number line; '1' present indicates the first printing. Distinctive minimalist design (heavy use of blind/letterpress-style covers); design is a house signature, not a printing point.
Does Wave Books use a number line?
Distinctive minimalist design (heavy use of blind/letterpress-style covers); design is a house signature, not a printing point.
Is a book-club edition a Wave Books first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 2005 in Seattle by Charlie Wright; absorbed/continued Verse Press (founded 2000, Matthew Zapruder/Joshua Beckman) — pre-2005 titles may bear the Verse Press imprint.
What era does this cover?
This covers Wave Books (2005–present (Verse Press 2000–2005)). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.