An edition is the print run of a book, where all copies are simultaneously produced from one set of types and plates. An edition refers to all identical books published under such circumstances – in other words, it represents a grouping of similar publications.
Editions are generally identified by a number or letter following “edition” on a book’s title page. A first edition refers to its initial setting of type and plates for printing; second and subsequent printings allow for correcting errors found in the first printing or making any necessary updates after that happened (i.e., 3rd, etc.).
Reprints of books usually occur after their third edition is printed if it becomes widely popular, goes out of print, and later comes back into fashion. New book printings constitute reprints; should any significant textual revisions occur during that process, this would be considered a revised edition reprint.
Editioning in printing cannot be overemphasized. By assuring each copy is identical, editioning ensures value and collectability for every editioned print. Furthermore, by restricting how many copies an artist creates in an edition, they can manage secondary market prices more precisely – providing their livelihood.
An edition is defined in the printing industry parlance as the total number of copies printed at one time and how often a work has been reprinted; multiple editions indicate this fact.
An edition refers to all of the versions of a book published; for example, a reader could be made available in hardcover, paperback, and electronic editions, each bearing its own ISBN number.
Edition can also provide an indication of quality; those published as Deluxe editions often tend to have higher standards than standard editions.
by CJ McDaniel