Backlist

/ˈbæklɪst/
noun

A list of older items, such as books, that a company continues to sell, but are not part of its main products.

The publisher generates a large portion of its profits from its backlist of older books.
Visual representation of "backlist" - A list of older items, such as books, that a company continues to sell, but are not part of its main products

Often appears as...

  • publish a backlist
  • extend a backlist

Usage tips

Business

verb

To place an older item, like a book, in a list of items available for sale but not prominently marketed.

Many publishers backlist titles that aren't popular anymore.
Visual representation of "backlist" - To place an older item, like a book, in a list of items available for sale but not prominently marketed

Often appears as...

  • backlist a title
  • backlist a book

Usage tips

Business

noun

A list of older items, such as books, that a company continues to sell, but are not part of its main products.

The publisher generates a large portion of its profits from its backlist of older books.
Visual representation of "backlist" - A list of older items, such as books, that a company continues to sell, but are not part of its main products

Often appears as...

  • publish a backlist
  • extend a backlist

Usage tips

Business

verb

To place an older item, like a book, in a list of items available for sale but not prominently marketed.

Many publishers backlist titles that aren't popular anymore.
Visual representation of "backlist" - To place an older item, like a book, in a list of items available for sale but not prominently marketed

Often appears as...

  • backlist a title
  • backlist a book

Usage tips

Business

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "backlist"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Publishing Relevance

Used to describe books that remain for sale but aren't newly released or actively marketed.

Illustration for Publishing Relevance
Her first novel is still on the backlist, although it's been years since its release.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sales Strategy

Backlist items can be a steady source of sales without ongoing advertising costs.

Illustration for Sales Strategy
The company's backlist continues to attract niche collectors and enthusiasts.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Obsolete

Backlist items are still valuable; they're just not in the current spotlight.

Illustration for Not Obsolete
We keep a rich backlist that caters to various reader interests over time.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Publishing Relevance

Used to describe books that remain for sale but aren't newly released or actively marketed.

Illustration for Publishing Relevance
Her first novel is still on the backlist, although it's been years since its release.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sales Strategy

Backlist items can be a steady source of sales without ongoing advertising costs.

Illustration for Sales Strategy
The company's backlist continues to attract niche collectors and enthusiasts.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Obsolete

Backlist items are still valuable; they're just not in the current spotlight.

Illustration for Not Obsolete
We keep a rich backlist that caters to various reader interests over time.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Publishing Relevance

Used to describe books that remain for sale but aren't newly released or actively marketed.

Illustration for Publishing Relevance
Her first novel is still on the backlist, although it's been years since its release.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Sales Strategy

Backlist items can be a steady source of sales without ongoing advertising costs.

Illustration for Sales Strategy
The company's backlist continues to attract niche collectors and enthusiasts.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Obsolete

Backlist items are still valuable; they're just not in the current spotlight.

Illustration for Not Obsolete
We keep a rich backlist that caters to various reader interests over time.
Visual representation of the word "Backlist"

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Quote examples

Lisa Gardner

American Author

I'm very intrigued by e-books, the topic du jour in the industry today. As a number one bestselling Kindle author, I love the way e-books make an author's backlist accessible to new readers. Of course, price point remains a source of concern. Personally, I don't have any of the answers, but I'm intrigued by the questions.
Portrait of Lisa Gardner

Quote examples

Wilbur Smith

Novelist

I've been associated with Macmillan for over 45 years. I'd like to thank them for their continued commitment to my backlist and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they publish my next novel, 'Vicious Circle' in 2013.
Portrait of Wilbur Smith

Quote examples

Lisa Gardner

American Author

I'm very intrigued by e-books, the topic du jour in the industry today. As a number one bestselling Kindle author, I love the way e-books make an author's backlist accessible to new readers. Of course, price point remains a source of concern. Personally, I don't have any of the answers, but I'm intrigued by the questions.
Portrait of Lisa Gardner

Quote examples

Wilbur Smith

Novelist

I've been associated with Macmillan for over 45 years. I'd like to thank them for their continued commitment to my backlist and I look forward to continuing to work with them as they publish my next novel, 'Vicious Circle' in 2013.
Portrait of Wilbur Smith
Example 1 of 2
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