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

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

From The Wall Street Journal

“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

Though it’s her job to keep abreast of current books, while on a book tour, Patchett gives herself the luxury of reading backlist.

From Seattle Times

On average, Open Road is able to double the sales of the backlist titles it promotes, Steinberger said.

From New York Times

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