A glossary

The words collectors use

These are the words as collectors use them. Publishers and shops sometimes use them differently.

Edition: One version of a book as a publisher released it. The same story, with its own cover, format, printing and details. A book you love may have several, and a collector may own more than one.
Standard edition: The one sold everywhere.On LiteraryLure, this is the Standard tile when you add an edition.
Special edition: An edition made to be collected. A different cover, painted edges, extra art, sometimes a limited run. Sold widely or by one retailer or box.On LiteraryLure, Special, sold everywhere.
Retailer exclusive: A special edition sold by one shop only, such as Waterstones, Barnes & Noble or Target.On LiteraryLure, Retailer exclusive, with the shop under Retailer or box.
Subscription box edition: An edition printed for a book box such as FairyLoot, Illumicrate or OwlCrate, sent to subscribers and often numbered or signed. Sometimes it is the only hardcover of that book.On LiteraryLure, Subscription box, with the box under Retailer or box.
Format: Hardcover, paperback, or a larger trade paperback.On LiteraryLure, Format.
First edition, first printing: A first edition is the first time a publisher issued the book. A first printing is the first run of copies inside that edition. Collectors usually mean a first printing of a first edition, and the number line on the copyright page says which printing a copy is.
Hand signed: The author signed that copy, in person or before it shipped.On LiteraryLure, Hand signed under Signature.
Tipped in signature: The author signed a separate sheet that was bound into the book at the printer. Signed by the author, but not that copy in their hands.On LiteraryLure, Signed tip-in under Signature.
Bookplate: A sticker the author signed, placed inside the book.On LiteraryLure, Signed bookplate under Signature.
Digital signature: A picture of the author's signature printed on the page. Not signed by hand. Many special editions carry one.On LiteraryLure, Digitally signed under Signature.
Sprayed edges: The page edges painted a colour. Stencilled edges carry a pattern or a scene. Hand-painted edges were painted one copy at a time.On LiteraryLure, Sprayed or painted edges.
Foil, embossing: Metallic foil pressed onto the cover or case, and a design raised or pressed into it. Often what makes a special edition look special.
Naked hardcover: The case under the dust jacket, which on a special edition is often designed on its own. Some collectors shelve the jacket off.
Endpapers: The pages glued inside the front and back covers. Plain on a standard edition, often illustrated on a special one.
Out of print: No longer printed by the publisher. New copies are gone, so the only way to one is resale.On LiteraryLure, Out of print.
Pre-order: A copy ordered before the book is released.On LiteraryLure, a pre-order sits in Orders and moves into your Library when you say it has arrived.
Box set: Several books sold together in one case. Omnibus Several books bound as one.
Resale value: What a copy sells for second hand, which depends on the author, the retailer or box and how many copies exist.On LiteraryLure, Value on each edition.