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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

backlist

While older titles, known as the backlist, do make money, Hurowitz said publishers are missing opportunities to repackage stories for new audiences, sell them for TV and movie adaptations, or expand foreign language rights.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

That’s how she wound up pitching a “Taylor’s Version”-style rerelease of her backlist to a handful of desired publishers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2026

After a number of years, many backlist books will languish, go out of print and slip between the cracks of history, or the cracks between the dusty shelves at your local used-book shop.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 27, 2023

Its success and deep backlist of older titles, including works by authors like Stephen King, make it an attractive company to buy.

From New York Times ● Nov. 20, 2022

What was supposed to be a one-off new novel to revive sales of the backlist was such a hit that the publishers ordered up more – but the lawyers were worried.

From Salon ● Nov. 19, 2022

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