Check the copyright page for the words “First Edition,” “First Printing,” or a specific printing statement
Look for a number line such as 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9; the lowest number present often indicates the printing
Verify the publisher’s first-edition identification mark or code on the copyright page
Compare the publication date on the title page and copyright page
Check for a dust jacket with a stated first edition or first printing
Compare the ISBN, publisher, and edition details with bibliographic records
Look for library catalog or publisher listings confirming first edition status
Inspect whether later printings have revised text, cover art, or added material
Check if the book was issued in multiple states or variants
Confirm with a collector’s reference guide for that specific title and publisher