backlist

American  

[bak-list] / ˈbækˌlɪst /

noun

1. the books that a publisher has kept in print over several years, as distinguished from newly issued titles.

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adjective

1. Also backlisted. placed or maintained on a backlist.

verb (used with object)

1. to place on a backlist.

backlist British  

/ ˈbækˌlɪst /

noun

1. a publisher's previously published books that are still available See also front list mid-list

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Etymology

Origin of backlist

First recorded in 1945–50; back ² + list ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

backlist

The revised name reflected their mission to publish new titles “at random” to complement the backlist.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026

“They have a backlist of children’s books second to none” — classic works like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift and the Bobbsey Twins.

From Salon ● Nov. 9, 2023

Grove Atlantic, an independent publisher, is working with Open Road to promote about 1,500 of its backlist titles, including “1942: The Year That Tried Men’s Souls” and “Black Hawk Down.”

From New York Times ● May 24, 2023

Barring special initiatives like reissues, adaptations or perhaps an appearance on a celebrity’s list of favorite books, backlist titles are typically no longer the locus of marketing and publicity budgets.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 27, 2023

He added that S&S has “never been more profitable and valuable than it is today” and possesses what is currently the bestselling backlist in the publishing industry.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2022