A backlist is one of the most valuable assets an author or publisher can have. These are the titles that have already built credibility, earned reviews, and found readers—they just need a little fresh attention to start selling again. With some creativity and strategic marketing, older works can become steady performers that continue to find new fans year after year.

Here are eleven practical and creative ways to give your backlist new energy and visibility.

1. Bundle Your Books

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Bundling older titles with your latest release is an easy way to reintroduce past work to new readers. You can pair a fan-favorite novel with your newest launch or curate themed collections that highlight a common thread like setting, genre, or mood. Digital box sets are especially appealing when priced at a slight discount, giving readers instant value while quietly reviving your backlist.

2. Use Smart Pricing to Reignite Interest

Sometimes all it takes is the right price at the right time. Run a limited-time sale, experiment with temporary discounts, or feature your book on a site like BookBub. For authors with a series, making the first book permanently free can be the best way to invite readers to dive in and stay for more.

3. Give Your Books a Makeover

A great cover never goes out of style, but trends change. Updating your cover design or typography can make an older book feel brand-new. You can even release an updated edition with a foreword, author’s note, or bonus content to entice readers who might already own a copy.

4. Look for Timely Hooks in the News

The world moves fast, and sometimes a headline or trending topic can make an older book suddenly feel fresh again. Keep an eye on the news, cultural conversations, and seasonal moments that connect to your book’s themes. When something lines up, it’s the perfect opportunity to bring that backlist title forward and show readers why it matters right now.

5. Keep Backlist Titles in Your Marketing Mix

Don’t let older books vanish from your feed. Share them in your email newsletter or sprinkle them into your social media schedule. Post favorite quotes, reader testimonials, or even short behind-the-scenes stories about what inspired you to write them. A touch of nostalgia can go a long way.

6. Empower Your Readers to Advocate

Your readers are your best marketers. Encourage them to leave reviews or recommend your backlist to book clubs. Providing discussion questions or themed reading guides can make it easy for groups to feature your work.

7. Bring Your Backlist to the Stage

Not every event has to center on something new. Virtual readings, live Q&As, or panel discussions about your earlier titles can introduce them to fresh audiences. Libraries and bookstores love opportunities to highlight established books, especially when there’s an engaging story behind them.

8. Collaborate With Other Authors

Two audiences are better than one. Team up with authors in your genre for joint giveaways, newsletter swaps, or curated bundles. It’s a simple, mutually beneficial way to expand your reach and reintroduce your titles to engaged, like-minded readers.

9. Create New Content Around Old Stories

Your backlist still has plenty to say. Write a blog post or record a short video about what you learned while writing the book, or how its themes feel different to you now. Appear on podcasts and talk about how that work shaped your career. It’s all about keeping the conversation alive.

10. Run Targeted Ads

Even a modest ad budget can go far with the right targeting. Platforms like Amazon, Facebook, and Goodreads let you reach exactly the kind of readers who will love your older titles, even if they missed them the first time.

11. Reward Loyal Readers

People love to feel part of your journey. Offer exclusive discounts, sneak peeks, or giveaways for readers who’ve supported you from the beginning. Little gestures of appreciation help nurture lifelong fans who’ll continue spreading the word about your work.

Your backlist isn’t just a record of what you’ve written; it’s the foundation of your author brand. Every book still holds the power to connect, inspire, and sell. With a few thoughtful strategies and consistent attention, those “old” titles can become the backbone of your success story.

Want expert support in revitalizing your backlist? Get in touch with us! Our publicity team specializes in helping books find fresh audiences long after launch day.

Looking for more book promotion tips? Check out: 

• How Amazon Ads Work, and Why You Should Use Them
• How Authors Can Use Social Media, Substack, and Non-traditional Outlets to Promote Their Book
• Four Video Marketing Tips for Authors