Frontlist

Definition

The frontlist is the collection of a publisher’s new titles available for purchase each year.

Basic Facts

Books on the front list are typically marketed by uplifting their novelty. Often positioned among familiar backlist titles, frontlist titles draw attention and spark curiosity and interest. These books are how publishing companies prove they have stayed current and are keeping up with new ideas hitting the book world. Not all frontlist books have to be amazing works of literature because their novelty alone makes them interesting. The frontlist is complementary to the backlist, which provides readers with old favorites that create a sense of stability in the midst of new books being released. However, novelty does not make frontlist titles instantly appealing to most readers. While they may create interest, the sight of a new book does not usually spur readers to buy it without some context of expectation of what the book will be about. For books on the frontlist, marketing is a very important step of the publishing process to build knowledge and excitement about books that are soon to hit the shelves. A book’s marketing team must make plans to increase excitement around the book by implementing strategies such as touring book fairs, setting up book signings, or creating social media hype.

Uses

The primary use of the frontlist is for a publishing company to keep track of each year’s new releases, however, this list of titles can be used for other purposes as well. For example, browsing frontlist titles helps literary agents stay updated on what genres and themes are trending, allowing them to identify more lucrative projects. Aside from benefits for those in the publishing industry, the frontlist can also help libraries gauge what type of books are gaining popularity, so as to add titles to their collections that the community they serve will celebrate and enjoy.