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

Publishers energetically reprint the interwar backlist; film producers confidently invest in adaptations and pastiches; and genre authors such as Anthony Horowitz and Ruth Ware combine traditional conventions with contemporary sensibilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 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

Because the backlist can be said to contain everything ever published, it is safe to say that most backlist titles probably aren’t worthy of your attention.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 27, 2023

The merger would have given it Simon & Schuster’s approximately 50 imprints, as well as the company’s vast and valuable backlist of older titles.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2022

The agent asked permission to hire a new author to write a new book and give the backlist a jolt.

From Salon • Nov. 19, 2022