What are limited edition books, and numbered and lettered editions?
What is a chapbook?
What are slipcases and traycases?
What is a galley?
It seems the lettered edition comes out months after the numbered or trade edition. Why?!
How can I submit a manuscript or art for publication consideration?
Are dealer discounts offered?
Who is the publisher behind all this?

What are limited edition books, and numbered and lettered editions?

Limited edition books have a specific, stated print run - a print run much smaller than industry standards (almost always no higher than 1000 copies). They often have a limitation page, or tip sheet, signed by the author and/or contributors and bearing a statement of limitation. Numbered and lettered editions are types of limited editions. A numbered edition means that each book will be individually numbered from 1 to the maximum number; for example, books from a numbered edition of 500 copies will be numbered 1, 2, 3... 499, 500. Likewise, books from a lettered edition are each assigned a unique letter; some publishers go beyond 26 copies to 52 lettered copies, so books are lettered A through ZZ. Earthling will most likely never go beyond 26 copies, as lettered editions are supposed to be the smallest, most collectible state of a book, and we believe going beyond 26 copies somewhat defeats the purpose of making a book collectible. All Earthling books are hand numbered or lettered.

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What is a chapbook?

A chapbook is a booklet consisting of sheets of letter-sized (8.5x11 inch) paper, folded in half and stapled, with a heavier cover. Chapbooks are perfect to house shorter tales. Furthermore, because they are less expensive than trade softcovers or hardcovers to produce and ultimately to buy, they are a great way to experience fiction (particularly for an author the reader is unfamiliar with) while picking up a signed collectible at the same time. Some chapbooks have become very collectible, such as Dan Simmons's chapbook BANISHED DREAMS, which now fetches around $200, and Stephen King's THE NEW LIEUTENANT'S RAP, which goes for at least $1000!

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What are slipcases and traycases?

Both are specialized boxes to house books. Slipcases contain a book on all sides except for the book spine, while traycases completely enclose the book.

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What is a galley?

A galley (advance reading copy) of a title is produced for early review and promotion prior to the actual book publication. Galleys are often produced from uncorrected manuscripts that have been laid out and partially designed, and often bound as trade paperbacks with or without cover art. They are not for sale by publishers but collected on the secondhand market because some folks view galleys as the true first editions of books (I don't), and because their production is usually limited, which makes them scarce collectibles.

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It seems the lettered edition comes out months after the numbered or trade edition. Why?!

The most often reason for this delay is that the finished book needs to be in hand before the slipcases or traycases can be built. Some presses produce "dummy" books that approximate the final, published dimensions can be created and given to the slip/traycase builder, so that while the book is at the printers, the cases can be made. Earthling prefers to wait and have exact dimensions so that the book fits perfectly in the case, rather than take what amounts to a best guess and risk having cases that aren't a perfect fit for the book. Also, some books are specially handbound (handsewn), which adds time, too. Add onto that the unpredictability of many bookbinders schedules (who often operate out of very small shops) and you'll begin to appreciate what many small presses go through before the lettered edition is finally finished.

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How can I submit a manuscript or art for publication consideration?

Regretfully, I am not reading unsolicited manuscripts. If this changes, I will post about it here on this page. Artwork is still invited, preferably by referring me to your website.

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Are dealer discounts offered?

Yes, dealer discounts are offered on all of our books. Please contact Earthling for details.

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Who is the publisher behind all this?

I (Paul Miller) have been an avid reader, particularly of the horror genre, all my life. I started collecting first editions and small press limited editions in the mid 1990s, so I suppose getting into publishing grew out of these earlier interests. I currently do everything at Earthling including book layout, marketing, and shipping. Working with authors and artists whose work I've admired has been a thrill. I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in neuroscience, and my day job is medical writing and communications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Earthling has received the Horror Writers Association's Specialty Press Award.


Paul Miller in front of two Clive Barker originals, during a spring 2008 trip to Beverly Hills

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