Monday, April 23, 2007

State or National Editions

Often, when buying used textbooks online books are described as a North Carolina edition, or a Texas edition. Many people avoid buying these, not knowing how the book may differ from the national edition. A state edition book was created by the publishers to cater to specific states. It is also a way for them to control the resale of such books. A state edition is exactly the same as a national edition with one exception. There is a small section in the front of a state edition book that applies the concepts in the book to the local area. For example, if it is a biology book the section in the front may talk about the biology of the local animals of that particular state. Many school systems require schools to use state editions of specific books. The states you tend to see this happening the most with are North Carolina, New York, Texas and California. Once the schools stop using these books it is hard to resell them because schools in other states don't want a state edition that is not their own.

Buying these books is no different than buying a national edition. If you don't mind the extra section in the front, the rest of the book is exactly the same. You may even learn something from the extra material. Publishers say there is a major difference to avoid resale that they do not profit from. Don't be afraid to buy state editions!

www.southeasterntextbooks.com
866-872-6657
fax: 866-952-6657
k12@southeasterntextbooks.com

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