An ‘impression’ is a number of copies printed at any one time. When a book is reprinted or reproduced from the same setting of type, with only minor alterations, this printing is a ‘new impression’ or a ‘reprint’. The term ‘second [or new] edition’ should not be used unless the text has been significantly changed or supplemented. The term ‘new edition’ should be used with caution, as it can lead to problems when a further new edition is needed. It is better to use ‘second’, ‘third’, ‘fourth’, etc. The word ‘edition’ is also used to distinguish different bindings (for example a paperback edition) or a reset version even if the text remains unchanged; such uses of the word ‘edition’ should be distinguished from real new editions, in which the text has been changed (see examples on pp. 396–7).

REPRINTS

Traditionally, publishers hold a ‘corrections file’ in which they keep any corrections sent by the author or other people. In addition, authors are usually asked whether they have any small corrections for a reprint. Before contacting them it is sensible to check the corrections file, to see whether the author has already sent some corrections (and whether these can be made easily); also whether the author should be asked about corrections sent in by other people. Some ‘errors’ are matters of opinion rather than of fact.

Now that printers hold electronic files of the final version of most books, copies can be printed ‘on demand’.