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

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

“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 ● Nov. 9, 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

Barring special initiatives like reissues, adaptations or perhaps an appearance on a celebrity’s list of favorite books, backlist titles are typically no longer the locus of marketing and publicity budgets.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 27, 2023