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

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

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 ● Aug. 28, 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

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

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