short"list. n., v.
Before most literary awards are given out, a list of the finalists is compiled. In the book trade, this list is called the "shortlist". A book or author that appears on such a list is said to be "shortlisted". Many bookstores use shortlists to determine what they'll buy or what they'll display in their windows.
With respect to English-language fiction, the shortlists for the Booker Prize(UK) and the National Book Award (US) are the most closely watched.