reprint

A reprint is a new printing of a work that has previously been published. It is typically issued to replenish stock, meet ongoing demand, or make the work available in a new market. A reprint usually reproduces the same text and illustrations as the original printing, though it may include minor corrections, updated copyright notices, or a new cover design.

Reprint differs from a new edition. A reprint generally does not involve substantial revisions; a new edition implies significant changes such as revised text, additional material, or updated illustrations. Publishers may also release corrected or updated reprints with minor changes, sometimes labeled as a “revised reprint.”

Reprints occur across media, including books, magazines, newspapers, and comics. In periodicals, reprint can also refer to republication of an article in another format or a collected edition that compiles previously published pieces. Print-on-demand and digital reprints have expanded accessibility.

Copyright and licensing: Reprinting a work requires permission from the rights holder unless the work is in the public domain. A new edition that adds original content may qualify for its own copyright, while the underlying text remains protected. Public-domain works can be reprinted by anyone, though new introductions or annotations may be copyrighted.

Purpose and impact: Reprints help preserve literature, keep classic titles in circulation, and provide libraries and readers with access. They also allow publishers to reach new audiences or restore damaged or out-of-print titles.