How to Choose Amazon Book Categories

Publishing your book is an exciting journey, but getting it into the hands of readers can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to categorising your book correctly online.

Why Categories Matter

Think of categorising your book like walking into a bookstore to buy a cookbook. You head straight to the cookbook section – you wouldn’t search for it in the children’s book section because you know it won’t be there. That’s essentially what choosing a category online does, but with even more options to consider.

When you upload your book to platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark, you’ll be asked to choose categories that describe your book’s content. These categories help your book appear in relevant searches, making it easier for readers to discover your work.

At the time of writing, you can choose three categories.

The Basics of Book Categories

Two types of category codes are commonly used: BISAC codes, which are primarily for the North American market, and Thema codes, which are recognised globally. Think of these as the labels that tell online stores and libraries what your book is about.

BISAC Codes:

• These are used in North America to tell retailers and libraries about your book’s genre and main topics.
• It’s like putting your book in the right section of a bookstore – mystery, romance, business, etc.

Thema Codes:

• These are used globally and offer more detailed descriptions, including geographical settings or specific time periods relevant to your book.
• If you want your book to be easily found by readers around the world, using Thema codes is a smart move.

How to Pick the Right Categories

Choosing the right categories is essential for your book’s visibility. Here are some tips to keep it simple:

1. Use Multiple Categories: Don’t limit yourself to one category. Your book likely touches on multiple themes, so select up to three relevant categories. This increases the chances of your book being found by different types of readers.
2. Be Specific: Avoid general categories like “Fiction / General.” The more specific you are, the better. For example, if your book is about retirement planning, choose “Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Retirement Planning” instead of something broader.
3. Do Your Research: Spend time researching similar books. Look at what categories they’re listed in, especially bestsellers in each category. Does your book belong there?
4. Consistency Across Formats: Make sure you use the same categories for both your print and ebook versions to keep things consistent.
5. Global Reach: Use both BISAC for the North American market and Thema for global reach. This dual approach ensures your book can be found by readers anywhere in the world.

Putting It All Together

When you upload your book, carefully select categories that truly reflect what your book is about. By using both BISAC and Thema codes, you’re covering all your bases, ensuring your book is discoverable in both local and international markets.

This process might seem daunting at first, but it’s worth the effort. Correctly categorising your book is like giving it a passport to travel the world – making it easier for readers everywhere to find, enjoy, and share your work.

One thing to keep in mind: Amazon sometimes changes its rules without notice. They might even move your book to a new category without informing you. So, set aside time now and then to check your Amazon portal and make sure your categories are still the best fit. You can update the categories anytime.

Remember, your goal is to connect with readers, and choosing the right categories is a big step in that direction. Keep it simple, stay specific, and your book will be well on its way to reaching the audience it deserves.