A Guide to Re-Energizing Your Books and Reaching New Readers Using NetGalley & Booktrovert
At NetGalley, we love seeing how publishers and authors breathe new life into their backlist titles. While frontlist books often get the spotlight, backlist marketing can be one of the most rewarding—and strategic—ways to grow revenue, strengthen discoverability, and reach new audiences.
As Núria Cabutí, CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, recently said during the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair CEO Talk: “A book that has not been read is a new book, so if it’s backlist or frontlist, it doesn’t matter. What we need is powerful promotions.”
That philosophy perfectly captures the opportunity that backlist marketing presents. Whether you’re looking to celebrate an anniversary, connect to a cultural moment, or simply reintroduce readers to a beloved story, NetGalley and Booktrovert can help you make it happen.
Choosing Which Backlist Titles to Promote
When planning your next backlist campaign, start by identifying which titles are most likely to resonate right now. Consider whether a book fits into a trending genre, has seasonal significance, or ties into an upcoming anniversary, reprint, or special edition. Is there a media adaptation or author milestone on the horizon? Or is the title about to be released in a new format, like an audiobook?
Each of these moments can offer a fresh reason to bring a backlist book back to readers’ attention through NetGalley and Booktrovert.
“A book that has not been read is a new book, so if it’s backlist or frontlist, it doesn’t matter. What we need is powerful promotions.”
– Núria Cabutí, CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial
Reframe and Refresh for Emerging Trends
Five years ago, “romantasy” wasn’t an established genre, even though romance and fantasy have long been natural companions. By staying attuned to trends like this, you can reposition older titles to meet new reader expectations.
Use NetGalley tools like the Word Cloud and Feedback Reports to uncover the language readers use most often, then refresh your book descriptions and marketing copy to better align with these trending keywords. Once your messaging feels current, you can reintroduce the book to readers in a big way through a Booktrovert Sweepstakes or Giveaway.
TIP: Unsure what Booktrovert CTA to pick? Check out our guide here!
Browsing the NetGalley catalog is also a great way to spot cover design trends and genre shifts before they hit the retail shelves, helping you stay ahead of what readers are looking for. Use the “Most Requested” carousel, both on the catalog homepage and within your categories of interest, to really see what’s trending!
Promote Around Merchandising Themes
Seasonal and cultural moments are key opportunities to connect your books with active readers. Use NetGalley’s Title Timeline to plan around recurring themes, like spooky reads for Halloween, heartwarming romances for Valentine’s Day, or thought-provoking political nonfiction tied to election cycles.
When your title appears at just the right time, you’ll capture readers’ attention when their interest is at its peak. For inspiration, check out the NetGalley Media Kit, which highlights dozens of seasonal, holiday, and other themes you can use to plan ahead.
Celebrate Milestones
Every milestone is a marketing opportunity.
Anniversaries offer a natural moment to reintroduce your book to new readers. Celebrate 10,000 copies sold or 25 years in print by offering review copies on NetGalley alongside a Booktrovert Giveaway campaign to consumers. Or, promote a just-for-fans sale using a Private Buy Now campaign. These combined efforts help boost visibility, generate buzz, and spark renewed interest in your title.
If you’re releasing a new edition or anniversary reprint, consider using a NetGalley eBlast to make a splash and ensure readers take notice! Want the widest possible reach? Our NetGalley + Booktrovert Combos “menu” has even more ideas for how to choose the most impactful ways to promote every type of book (and for every type of goal!).
Take Advantage of Media Tie-ins
If your book is being adapted to a film or television show, or even if it shares similar themes or subject matter, now’s the time to capture audience excitement. Use NetGalley and Booktrovert to reignite reviews and conversations that connect your title to what’s trending on screen.
To help booksellers and librarians recommend your book to their communities, consider developing a Book Club Kit for your backlist titles. These assets make it easier for professionals to champion your book when readers are hungry for similar stories.
Pitch Books in a Series
Your NetGalley history is a valuable resource for reaching proven audiences. If you have an upcoming installment in a series, list book one again on NetGalley to rekindle early enthusiasm and bring new readers into the fold.
