Most people know what signed and numbered limited editions are. But lettered editions might not be so recognizable. Anyone relatively new to the world of limited edition publishing might, understandably, have a few questions. We thought a quick primer would be helpful to introduce our customers to some of the terms and phrases of our business.

Numbered Editions

The term "limited edition" generally refers to numbered editions, which are usually published in quantities ranging from 250 to 1,000. Each book is individually numbered, signed by the author, and packaged in its own slipcase. At Hill House we bind our books and slipcases in exotic cloths, many times in elegant Japanese silk. Other small press publishers may use leather or other materials to set the binding of the limited edition apart from the regular trade edition. The beauty of our limited editions befits their exclusivity: they may cost more to produce and to procure, but are absolutely worth it. A limited edition might also include additional textual material: a new introduction by the author, perhaps, or text that had been originally cut by the author/publisher and never before published (e.g. the 12,000 extra words in our edition of AMERICAN GODS).

Lettered Editions

In cases where an author's work is particularly collectible (for example, Neil Gaiman or Ray Bradbury), the publisher might also issue a lettered edition in addition to the numbered one. The lettered books are usually published in editions of twenty-six (that is, from A to Z) or fifty-two (A to Z and AA to ZZ). Because a lettered edition is so exclusive, it warrants a more deluxe production job. Most lettered editions come with a traycase as opposed to a slipcase. On some occasions even more exotic enclosures are used, such as the wooden box and marble door featured on the lettered edition of AMERICAN GODS. At times lettered editions include additional materials—for example, the hardcover chapbook featuring a previously unpublished Bradbury story and the framed signed artwork that accompany the lettered edition of THE CAT'S PAJAMAS: Stories + 5.

We hope this introduction makes our side of the business a little more accessible to our customers and collectors.