midlist

American  

[mid-list] / ˈmɪdˌlɪst /

noun

1. the part of a publisher's sales list of newly or recently published books consisting of titles that are expected to have average sales or success, as compared to the frontlist.

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Etymology

Origin of midlist

First recorded in 1980–85; mid- ( def. ) + list ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

While major blockbusters will continue to be translated, publishers say, books by midlist authors may not be.

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2024

“I went from a midlist comic book author with one title out to being a person making national headlines,” Kobabe said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2022

My concern is not for midlist literary authors; my concern is for having an interesting book review to read.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2013

Once upon a time, let's say, there was a highly driven, copiously talented author who'd nevertheless spent his writing life as a fixture of the midlist.

From The Guardian • Jul. 27, 2012

Secrets of Ya-Ya Sisterhood went from a midlist title to a bestseller by being passed from hand to hand by women in reading circles.

From Ebooks: Neither E, Nor Books by Doctorow, Cory