Difference Between 1st Edition & 1st Printing

A first edition book refers to the fact that it is the original content of the book. First printing refers to the book being from the first group of books that came off the printing press. This quantity of books is known as a print run.

First Edition, First Printing

A first edition, first printing book is the original content and it is from the first print run.

First Edition, Second Printing

A first edition, second printing is a book with the original content unchanged and is from the second print run.

Second Edition, First Printing

A book that has had at least 20% of its content changed can be called a second edition. The first time this version goes to press it is a first printing of the second edition.

Unlimited Amount of First Edition

A book that has unchanged content can be printed an unlimited number of times. In the case of a very popular book (like the Harry Potter series) it is possible to have a first edition book with a high printing number.

Ironically Rare and Common

First edition, first printing books are the most rare in collectible books. However, in today's prolific printing industry it is quite common for books to never make it to second printing thus ensuring there are a lot of first edition, first printing books on the market.

References

• Self Publishing Glossary

Resources

• Association of American Publishers