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

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

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

Readers devoured the free novels — and started buying her entire backlist.

From New York Times • Oct. 9, 2022