COURIER CORP. -- Textbook Example

"Last year, publishers were still reeling from lighter demand and the impact of 9/11," Tobin says. "This year, publishers have allowed their inventories to build up a little more. There have been more titles and we've also seen reprint activity pick up."

Backlist titles have enjoyed an infusion from the rebirth of Oprah Winfrey's book club. For example, John Steinbeck's "East of Eden," published 55 years ago, received the kiss of life when Winfrey promoted it during the club's triumphant return. "The backlist fuels a publisher's profits and sales, which is nice to see," he comments.