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date: 22 March 2025

backlist, publisher’s 

Source:
The Oxford Companion to the Book

Established titles in a publisher’s list. Once the initial costs of publication have been recouped, backlist titles are usually more profitable than new books (the frontlist), although their unit sales may be lower. Publishers with secure backlist sales can count on a reliable source of income. Titles in the backlist have the potential to be revitalized with new covers or through new editions. If authors move publishing houses, their backlist may move with them, so that all their titles can be promoted together. A strong backlist will make a publisher more attractive for purchase by another publisher.... ...

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