DiscoverYour BIPOC Writing CoachBacklist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist
Backlist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist

Backlist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist

Update: 2025-10-20
Share

Description

Statistically speaking, a book’s chance of making The New York Times bestseller list is less than one percent. But that’s the list most authors want to be on. Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, I’m going to offer a different, better measure for success. And this isn’t just my opinion, this is what agents, publishers and savvy authors know is true. The backlist is where you want to be if you want a long career as an author.


 


Tune in to hear:



  • Why it doesn’t make mathematical sense to aim for a bestseller's list.

  • The difference between the front list and the backlist.

  • The truth about how many authors actually earn out their advance.

  • The lifetime financial benefits of being on a publisher’s backlist.


LINKS to get LIT


If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com. 


 


For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter


 


Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary, our private membership community for BIPOC women who take their writing seriously. 


 


Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori


 


Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.


 


 

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Backlist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist

Backlist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist

Lori L Tharps