Before I became an author, I had no idea what a backlist was. In case you don’t either, this word means “a publisher’s older books that are still in print”. Therefore, backlist titles are basically books that are not new releases.
The reason I bring this up is because I recently polled my newsletter subscribers and asked them, how many books in my backlist have they read? The answers I received really surprised me!
Here’s the breakdown:
-About half of those who replied (47%) said they’d either read 1 to 3 of my books or 5 to 10 of them.
-Another 37% were evenly split between having read 3 to 5 of my books or having read over 10.
-A surprising 13% had not read any, yet they were subscribed to my newsletter and had taken the time to do the survey.
-Lastly, 3% had read my entire backlist, which is around 30-something books.
Interesting, huh?
When I shared these results with some author friends who had also polled their newsletter followers with the same question, they said they’d gotten similar results as well. What surprised us all was the realization that most of our readers haven’t read through our backlist. I had been under the impression that many had done so already, based on the feedback I’d received from a handful of readers. But I was wrong (which does happen lol)!
So now I’m here to ask you the same question: Do you usually read through an author’s backlist? Why or why not? If you answered no, I’d like to know what’s stopping you, assuming you like an author’s writing style? And what would encourage you to “bring on the backlist” and read all the books a particular author has written?
Okay, that was more like four questions, so thank you for taking the time to answer them!
Giveaway: I’d like to give away a $5 Amazon gift card. One winner will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Sunday, September 4th.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Hi Liwen,
Once I find a new author I enjoy I usually start to read through their backlist – I usually do it series by series (if they write series that is!) I usually read a series by one author, they change to another, then move back so I’m not reading the same author all the time if that makes sense? So how recently I’ve discovered an author usually affects how much of their back catalogue I’ve read, as well as how much they’ve written as some have lots to get through!
If I enjoy an author, I suppose the one thing that makes me slower to read their back catalogue is cost – I read in kindle unlimited, so I’m quicker to get authors I can read through that, otherwise I often wait till they put a series of book on special offer, or I have a birthday and someone gifts me something I’ve been waiting to read.
I think what would particularly encourage me is finding out more about a book or series from the back catalogue, sometimes when authors feature them in their newsletters then I’m hooked in and move them up my to read list!
Hi Ruthie! Thank you for your thorough answer! That makes a lot of sense and helps me to know that I need to talk more about my backlist in my newsletter. I appreciate your comment!
Sadly I do not read through an author’s backlist mostly because it would cost too much.
Hi Joannie! I totally get that. Thank you for answering!
I don’t read an author’s backlist because I prefer paperbacks and they cost a lot.
Hi Linda! Paperbacks are so nice to have, but yes, they do cost more. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Liwen! This retiree and avid reader does not read an author’s backlist, because of cost and time. Even in retirement with 4 grandchildren life is busy. While I read mainly ebooks, I do not subscribe to Kindle Unlimited and have a $25 a month book budget. Having taught high school English for 25 years, I read different and explore different genre and authors – historical fiction / cozy mysteries / suspense / non fiction / children’s and Young Adult literature. I am on at least 5 authors Review Teams. Presently I have 3 ARCs to read. At 7 decades of age my eyes tire more easily, as my attention span. Also there are so many new interesting books and series released daily.
A few years ago the question was asked 15 authors in 15 minutes. The 15 authors a reader reads regularly. It was a quick task. So if I had a new author, usually I do not remove an author and therefore not much time to read backlists. Enjoy your week.
Hi Renate! Oh wow, you keep yourself busy! :) Yes, I’m starting to see that cost and time are the two main factors. Thanks for your input!
If I enjoy an author’s writing I always look at his or her backlist. However I too am guided by cost, so can’t always afford to indulge my fancy! Sometimes if I’m patient, a story I long to read comes up on sale! Because I like to re-read favourites, KU doesn’t appeal to me.
Hi Margaret! That makes sense why you prefer to buy books than use KU. Thanks so much for chiming in!
I would read a backlist if I can find my library has them as I can’t financially just go purchase them.
Hi Lucy! The library is a great alternative to buying. Thanks for commenting!
welcome today. I have been on an extreme budget for books. so reading the backlist is not feasible right now. I would if I could, to get more of a feel of certain authors I am not too familiar with their books yet.
Hi Lori! Yes, you’re right that it would get costly real quick. Thanks for commenting!
This definitely interesting info and reading through the comments, the results make sense. When I find an author I like, I definitely read through their backlist. If their books aren’t in KU, then I’ll read them through the library. If the books aren’t in either places, then the backlist reading is slowed down by budget.
Hi Toni! Yes, I’m starting to understand that time and money are the two main factors, which totally makes sense. Thanks for commenting!
When I find a new author I like, I try to read all of their books if they are on KU, but if they are not, I will try to buy them slowly as the budget allows! I have hit the point where I have too many favorite authors to be buying up all their books, so I have to pick and choose now!
Hi Sarah! Yes, KU is great for the budget. Thanks for commenting!
To me there is nothing better than reading and enjoying a book by an author who is new to me and then discovering that he or she has a large backlist for me to begin working through. It may take me a long time as I read other new books and work through other author’s backlists but when I am stuck for what to read I like knowing that I can find a book from an author I really enjoy through their older books.
Hi Jessica! Yes, it’s always a treat when I find out a new favorite author has a backlist. Thanks for commenting!
Time. Time is what’s stopping me from reading an author’s backlist. I have a full-time job where I easily work 50-60 hours a week. I have a 10 year old daughter and a hubby. I have a home to care for. I have a mama to be there for. And I have a review schedule that somehow fits into all this. I’m insanely busy. So, I don’t have time to read an author’s backlist. I would love to with a whole bunch of authors I love, and some new-to-me authors, too. But I just don’t have time. If I find you as an author, I’m finding you in the now, not the past.
Hi Nicole! I hear ya!! If only we had an extra hour a day just to read, right? :) Thanks for commenting!
If I really like an author I’ll read through everything I can find.
I saw lots of people say budgets prohibit reading through backlists. Our library allows requests so that’s a nice way to read those books. Let the library buy them so others can enjoy them too.
Hi Dalyn! Yes, for sure, libraries are a great resource. Thanks for commenting!
When I find a new author, I do try to read ALL of their books. However, what stops me is my budget!! I can’t buy all of the books that I want to read, and I don’t want to “have” to read a book in a certain time frame. That is sooo NOT me! With my proofreading, my other job, and the ARC’s I read, I don’t have a lot of time to pick a book “just because” to read. And, admittedly, when I do read “just because” I’ve tended lately to pick up a paperback I haven’t read that I won from an author as something different that reading on my Kindle. I still love to have an actual book in my hands! So, eventually, I’ll get to the TBR stack that has some authors’ older books in them! Of course, I do have over 8k books in my Amazon Kindle account, so it could take awhile!! According to Bookbub, I’ve read 8 of your books!
Hi Trudy! Oh my, 8k books?! That’s amazing. I totally get that it’s hard to make yourself read a book in a certain time frame. Sometimes, you just have to be in the right mood for a book. Thanks for reading 8 of mine!
I do not because of the cost.
Hi Kathleen! I totally get that. Thanks for commenting!
If I like an author’s books, I usually try to read as many of their backlist that I can. However, some of that is dependent on what my library has available or what I can find through the inter-library loan system.
Hi Elizabeth! Good to know! Thanks for commenting!
Hi Liwen! I have to admit I’m one of those who hasn’t read your backlist. Reasons for that are time, right now a cover has to really grab me and I’ve been on a RomCom kick thanks to the past couple of years. So I have read all of your 40s RomCom series and LOVED them!
Hi Andrea! Those are good reasons. :) I’m SO happy you enjoyed my Fab Forties series! Thanks for commenting!
I will look to see what the library has of books published by an Author I just discovered. Too expensive to buy them.
Hi Kim! Yes, cost is a big factor. Thanks for commenting!
I have read through some backlists but not as much as I used to because I have found more authors whose books I like . Unfortunately I don’t have as much time to read as I used to.
Hi Lori! I totally understand that! If only we had more time to read. Thanks for commenting!
If I find a author I like I read there blacklist books if I have them at my house cause I have so many books it is like a library or I check them out at the library. The only place I buy books from are goodwill cause they are cheap.
Hi Kendra! Good to know. Thanks for commenting!
Hello,
If I like the author’s style and genre then I will read their backlist whenever possible (money or time wise) but I’m very picky to choose the authors.
Hi Geozla! I understand. With all the books out there in the world and limited time and money, it’s wise to choose wisely. :) Thanks for commenting!
It depends on how much I like the author’s books and if I have Kindle Unlimited at the time. But generally if I like the author, I read all of their books that I can get my hands on. I think that money sometimes stops me from reading an author’s backlist because I can’t get the books. There are not a lot of indie author’s books at my library so I usually have to buy them or try to request them but my library doesn’t buy all of the books that I request.
Hi Angeline! Thanks for trying to request books for your library; it’s always nice to have readers support authors that way. Thanks for commenting!
Hi, when I find a new author , I do like to look at their backlist and read books that they have, especially if I like their book that I am reading at the time. Have a great rest of the week and stay safe.
Hi Alicia! That’s great to know. Thanks for commenting!
Hello as I love reading the print book sometimes, I will read a backlist book but not very often Have a great Day!
Hi Sarah! Good to know. Thanks for commenting!
For me it’s always the cost. But when I catch the sales on KU subscriptions I always rejoin and I binge read to hearts joy. I keep a TBR list just for KU. I also read over 320+ books a year so I can get through a back list fairly quickly. When I do have a KU subscription.
Hi Cindi! Isn’t KU awesome? That’s a great idea to have a separate TBR list for it. Thanks for commenting!
Shen I find an author I really love I’ll definitely go and read their backlist, especially as I wait for them to come out with a new book. What often prevents me from reading authors backlist are two things:
1 time. There’s only so much time I have to read so sometimes I’ll just keep them as my favorite moving forward rather than go back and read all their old books. Unless I’m really in love with their stories and writing style.
2 I’ve found that a lot of times authors grow and improve so much from when they started that sometimes I don’t enjoy their first books as much because they aren’t as good as the current one of theirs I read.
It really just depends but I hope those answers help you a little.
Hi Megan! Ooh, you make a good point that no one else has mentioned yet. You’re right that authors improve with each book they write. Sometimes I’d rather not have a reader read my old books for that very reason, but those that do are still kind enough to say they enjoyed them. Lol. Thank you for your input!
Hi Liwen!
I think I will if the author has become a favorite one (as in, I’ll buy/read everything by them). It means I really like their writing style, the mix of faith (if they are Christians and write CF), if their previously published books are similar to the ones that introduced me to them or are connected somehow, and/or if they have tropes/genres I like and would like to check out.
Hi Priscila! :) Those are all great reasons. Thanks for chiming in!
I am currently reading ARCs for 14 authors which usually gives me plenty of reading material but when I find a particularly good author, I definitely try to read their back list. I currently have 5 authors that I am trying to complete their back lists. If I can get them in audio, all the better.
Hi Rhonda! Oh wow, that’s so amazing. Thanks for supporting so many authors with their new releases.
I read a lot of books for review but like to sneak in a new author once in a while. I do try to read backlists when I can find them at the library. My budget will not support buying many books.
Hi Paula! It’s great to be able to find an author’s whole backlist at the library. Thanks for sharing!
I have been blessed to read the entire backlist of a couple of authors. One of them I happened to start doing ARC from her first book and continue to do so. When I read my first ebook I wrote a review and sent that author an email about how much I related to the real life topic she wrote about. Between having so much in common with so many of the characters in her books and her liking my reviews she ended up sending me each from her backlist in return for a review! Within 3-4 months I had read them all. Through this I became friends with her PA, who is an author as well. I have since started doing editing and ARC work for her and have gone through all but a few of her first few devotionals. Once she started writing fictional books I was excited to get in on helping from the first one! If it weren’t for how generous these ladies were to send me these for free I wouldn’t have been able to read all these amazing books!
Hi Deb! Oh wow, that’s so cool! I love it when authors and readers become friends. Thanks for sharing!
I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for these ladies coming into my life how & when they did! There is not a doubt in my mind that it was all God’s handiwork! I had just lost all of the Christian women in my life and He knew exactly who I needed. Incredible answer to prayer!
That’s awesome! God sure knows our needs and provides for them!
I follow authors to learn more about them as people. Not in a stalking way. I like to learn about their families. Okay, this sounds like stalking behavior. My husband and I are both on disability. It limits the amount of books that I am able to purchase. I am also dealing with two parents who have been very ill this summer. My Mom is in Hospice. My Dad is doing better. He is going to be able to leave the nursing home, next week. I am responsible for both of them as power of attorney. I have not had as much time to read as I would like. I am not a great fan of Kindle books. It plays on my eyes. I like to hold onto a book. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
Hi Debra! I’m so sorry to hear about your challenges. I hope you’re still able to find some time to read. And it’s not stalking at all to want to learn more about authors. :) Thanks for commenting!
Hi Liwen!! Now that I am retired, I do read quite a bit. This summer I have discovered so many wonderful Christian authors, yourself included. I want to read all the books, and I am working on it. I am starting with books I have downloaded as either giveaways, gifts, or prizes. Like so many others who have commented here, I would rather own the book or get it from the digital library than subscribe to KU, although I have considered a subscription. Thank you.
Hi Bonnie! I’m so glad you’ve discovered new authors you enjoy; that’s always a blessing! Thanks for commenting!
If I discover an author I like to read, I hunt down everything they have ever written.
Hi Mary! I like how you used the word “hunt”! :) That shows purpose and dedication! Thanks for sharing!
What keeps me from reading a fave author’s backlist are two things:
1)Time – with a full-for-me reviewing schedule, it’s hard to fit just for fun books in.
2) Style or subject- some fave authors have written about a subject I refuse to read, or they write many different genres and I prefer just a few of their genres.
Hi Becky! Those are two very understandable reasons. Thanks for commenting!
I will read an author’s backlist if I find an author I really like. However, I usually wait for sales to buy books because I don’t have much of a book budget. I wish I could support authors I like more, but it is what it is. I also get books my the library, but they usually don’t have books older than a couple years. They take requests for purchase, but don’t buy many of the requests.
Hi Martha! I’m sure the authors you do support appreciate it! Thanks for your input!
Reading an author’s backlist really depends on how big that list is and how often they release new books. Cost and time is also a factor, as so many other have said. I’m more likely to read books from a back list if a current book refers to characters who seem likely to have their own story that sounds intriguing. If I can easily find that story, I’m much more likely to read that book.
Hi Melynda! Sounds like you enjoy reading books in a series? It’s always fun to find out when a side character you like has their own story. Thanks for commenting!
depends on the story
Hi bn100! That is a good point! Just because you may like one book an author has written doesn’t mean you’ll like them all. Thanks for commenting!
firstly I am not surprised some newsletter readers haven’t read any of your books or an authors book. Why because there are ways people get signed up like book hops and sweepstakes. I got signed up to a lot recently not realising that was part of the entry. I also am on a few because I have gotten to know the author but hadn’t read the books. (like some here at inspy)
On not reading back lists. for me I don’t read like I use to although this year more than the past several due to health issues. Like in August due to dental pain I have read one and a half books normally I would read up to 4. (I am glad August is done and will be so glad when the dry socket heals was back today for that which is why I am so late). So if I read 30 books or less a year and find a new author reading the back list of 30 books means no other books in the year. I also at times find novellas are what I cope with best so will pick them first. Also some author have genres I don’t read or have very long books which at times I just can’t handle.
Winning a book from the back list can encourage more. I have won a couple of yours and got to choose. the first was the time slip book and I bought the second one and the next was the one you wrote with your husband. I have others of yours in my kindle. But it introduced me to you.
I still have heaps from my favourite author (yes he was mainly historical) but I still want to read them (it was Gilbert Morris)
Hi Jenny! I’m so sorry to hear about your health struggles and pray you are on the mend! What you said makes perfect sense. We only have so much time in a day and there are so many books out there! Thanks for commenting and I hope you’re able to get back to reading more soon.
I will have to admit I don’t often go back and read through an authors backlist. Mostly it’s a time issue. I read enough (60-70 books a year) and have been reading Christian/Inspy fiction for many years so I definitely have my favorites and keeping up with them keeps me busy.
If I discover a debut author that I really enjoy, I will definitely watch for their new releases.
Hi Patty! I hear ya! It seems like time is the biggest factor. Thanks for commenting!
Rarely do I look at an author’s backlist, but if I like a series, I’ll check the other titles to see what I want to read next.
Hi Sunnymay! That’s good to know. Thanks for commenting!
Most definitely would read the backlist of a favourite author even on a limited budget, combining Amazon gift card funds with borrowings from the library!
Hi Renee! That’s a great way to do it! Thanks for sharing!
Do you usually read through an author’s backlist? Yes, but not enough time…
You keep releasing new stories lol
Hi Natalya! Hehe, was that a question for me? I have to admit there are only a handful of authors that I’ve read through their entire backlist. You’re right, there are always more books than there is time. Thanks for commenting!
Depends on how many books there are in a backlist, if 10 or more probably not due to time and money. If I find a new author I like and they only have 3-6 backlist then I will, sometimes I’ll just binge a whole backlist series. Often if I’ve read a novella collection and enjoyed particular stories then I will check for more by the author/series and read all of them or more by that author. Thinking about it I think that’s how I have discovered most of the inspy authors I enjoy.
Problem is there are so many good authors and good books and just not enough time. I will often check my library for back list books as well.
Hi Carolyn! Yes, good point, a shorter backlist would be a lot easier to get through. Thanks for sharing!
When I find an author I really like I will start reading their backlist, but budget is a major hinderance and time is a factor too. I work full time and have two children 17 & 14. The 14 yr old is in many extracurricular activities. Hubby has a full time job and also farms 300 acres, so during spring planting and fall harvest I become a “single” parent.
Hi Teresa! Yes, time and cost seem to be the two major hindrances for many folks. Wow, 300 acres of farmland–that’s amazing! Thanks for sharing!
No, I haven’t ever read through any author’s backlist, as reading can be a rather expensive hobby!
If any of my favorite author’s backlist was an affordable price, then I would definitely be interested in reading the backlist.
Hi Terry! Totally understand that. Thanks for commenting!
I’m not a fast reader and I have anxiety so it takes me a while to get through a series. I collect lots of books, especially cozy and historical mysteries. Sometimes there could be 15 or 20 books in a series. I prefer printed books and wouldn’t subscribe to Kindle Unlimited. I buy e-books on sale, especially for 99 cents, or get free ones from newsletters like Freebooksy. I enjoy using my Kobo Libra 2 that I bought in July. I mix and match authors because I like variety so I don’t binge a series.
I’m subscribed to lots of author newsletters due to contest entries so I haven’t always read a book from each author.
Yes! I do read authors back lists, especially when I’m in a mood reading binge. I love binge reading back lists all at once.