Is My Copy of IT by Stephen King a First Edition? How to Identify
You have a hardcover copy of Stephen King’s IT and you want to know if it’s a genuine first edition, first printing. This massive horror novel — at 1,138 pages, one of King’s longest — has become increasingly collectible, particularly following the successful 2017 and 2019 film adaptations.
The Quick Answer
A true first edition, first printing was published by Viking in September 1986 with a cover price of $22.95. King had moved from Doubleday to Viking by this point in his career, and the identification method differs from his earlier Doubleday novels.
Step-by-Step Identification
Step 1: Check the Publisher
The title page must read Viking (a division of Penguin Books USA). If your copy says any other publisher, it is a later edition.
Step 2: Check the Copyright Page
“First published in 1986 by Viking Penguin Inc.” or similar first-edition statement.
Number line. Viking uses a standard number line. A true first printing should include “1” as the lowest number in the sequence.
Copyright: “Copyright © Stephen King, 1986.”
Step 3: Check the Binding
First printing binding:
- Black cloth or boards
- Lettering on spine, typically in metallic or contrasting color
- The book is physically large and heavy (1,138 pages)
Step 4: Check the Dust Jacket
The dust jacket is distinctive:
- Features a dramatic horror-themed design
- $22.95 price on the front flap
- Author photo and biographical information
- First-state jackets should not reference the 2017 film or any post-publication events
Step 5: Rule Out Book Club Editions
Book club editions of IT are extremely common. Detect them by:
- No price on the jacket flap (most reliable indicator)
- Blind stamp or debossed mark on the rear board
- Lighter weight and inferior paper quality
- Smaller dimensions in some cases
What Is My Copy Worth?
True First Edition, First Printing
Viking printed a large first run — King was the bestselling horror author in the world by 1986. The first printing was likely 200,000+ copies or more. Despite this enormous run, Fine/Fine copies are relatively scarce because:
- The book was widely read (heavy use damages these thick volumes)
- Many copies were purchased by casual readers rather than collectors
- The dust jacket is prone to wear on such a heavy book
| Condition | Without Dust Jacket | With Dust Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/Fine | $200–$400 | $500–$1,500 |
| Near Fine/Near Fine | $100–$200 | $250–$700 |
| Very Good/Very Good | $50–$100 | $100–$300 |
Signed Copies
King has been a prolific signer, and signed copies of IT exist in moderate numbers. However, signed first editions specifically command premiums.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Signed, Fine/Fine | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Signed, Near Fine/Near Fine | $500–$2,000 |
Common Questions
How did the 2017 film affect values?
The 2017 film adaptation (directed by Andy Muschietti, starring Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise) was an enormous commercial success, grossing $701 million worldwide — the highest-grossing horror film at that time. The film’s success boosted interest in King’s original novel and increased first edition demand. Values approximately doubled between 2016 and 2018.
The 2019 sequel, IT Chapter Two, maintained cultural visibility and kept values elevated.
How does IT compare to other King first editions?
IT sits in the mid-range of King first edition values:
| Title | Year | Publisher | Unsigned Fine/Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrie | 1974 | Doubleday | $5,000–$15,000 |
| ’Salem’s Lot | 1975 | Doubleday | $2,000–$8,000 |
| The Shining | 1977 | Doubleday | $5,000–$15,000 |
| The Stand | 1978 | Doubleday | $1,000–$4,000 |
| IT | 1986 | Viking | $500–$1,500 |
| Misery | 1987 | Viking | $200–$800 |
IT is less expensive than the early Doubleday novels because Viking printed much larger first runs. King’s early career (1974–1978) is where the serious money is.
My copy weighs a lot. Is that normal?
Yes — IT is 1,138 pages in hardcover, making it one of the physically largest mainstream novels of its era. The book’s weight creates specific condition issues: the binding bears significant stress, the jacket tends to show wear at the top and bottom of the spine from being pulled off shelves, and the boards can warp over time. Fine copies that have avoided these issues are genuinely uncommon despite the large first printing.
Are the limited editions worth more?
King’s limited edition publishers (Phantasia Press published a limited signed edition of IT) produced signed, numbered copies that command higher prices ($2,000–$5,000). These editions have built-in provenance (the signature is guaranteed by the publisher) and are typically in better condition than trade editions.