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VJ Books answers your questions about paperback originals

The term "PBO" denotes a paperback original indicating that the first appearance of a title is a mass market-sized paperback.
Many author first books make their debut as a paperback. As an author becomes more saleable publishers migrate them into hardcover editions. Collectors who seek to complete an author collection will wish to add these PBOs. As as author becomes more famous publishers often reprint their early books in hardcover, however, the PBO remains the true first. Then, when a title is re-released (in this case in a hardcover edition) the correct designation should be "first edition, thus."

As always, please feel free to contact [email protected] with any questions you have about books within your existing collection, or those you might consider purchasing. Consider visiting the Ask John or FAQ pages for even more information about book collecting!

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