midlist

/ˈmɪdˌlɪst/
noun
  1. Books in a publisher's catalog that are expected to sell moderately well but are not likely to become bestsellers.
    • She was happy her novel was on the midlist, even if it wasn't a blockbuster.
    • Many midlist authors struggle to get their next book contract.
    • The publisher decided to promote several midlist titles at the book fair.
Antonyms
adjective
  1. Relating to or being a book or author that sells moderately well but is not a bestseller.
    • The editor specialized in midlist fiction that had a steady readership.
    • Midlist authors often have loyal fans but less marketing support.
    • He wrote midlist mysteries that never hit the top ten but sold reliably.
What does "midlist" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean