How Do I Categorize My Book for Publishing?

 Categorizing your book correctly is one of the most critical decisions in the publishing process—whether you're self-publishing or working with a traditional publisher. A well-chosen category affects how your book is discovered, who sees it, how it’s marketed, and even how it performs on bestseller charts. Misclassification can lead to poor sales, confused readers, and missed promotional opportunities.

This in-depth guide explains how to accurately and strategically categorize your book for publishing. We’ll cover the major category types, how bookstores and online retailers use them, what systems like BISAC and Amazon use, and how to ensure your book reaches the right audience.

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1. What Does “Categorizing a Book” Mean?

Categorizing a book means assigning it to a genre, subgenre, or subject that tells readers, retailers, and publishers what kind of content they’re about to read.

Categories affect:

• Where your book appears on online platforms (e.g., Amazon)

• Shelf placement in physical bookstores

• Reader expectations (tone, content, pacing)

• Discoverability via search and browsing

Without accurate categorization, your book may never reach its target readers—even if it's well-written and beautifully designed.

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2. Major Book Categories (Genres and Subjects)

Books are typically divided into two broad categories:

A) Fiction

Stories that are invented, though they may be inspired by real events.

Popular fiction genres include:

• Literary fiction

• Mystery / Thriller / Suspense

• Romance

• Science Fiction / Fantasy

• Historical fiction

• Horror

• Adventure

• Young Adult (YA)

• Middle Grade / Children’s

B) Nonfiction

Factual content based on real people, events, research, or experiences.

Popular nonfiction categories include:

• Biography / Memoir

• Self-Help / Personal Development

• Business / Leadership

• Health / Wellness / Fitness

• Religion / Spirituality

• Politics / Current Affairs

• History

• Travel

• Education / Reference

• Parenting / Relationships

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3. Why Categorization Matters

The right category does more than organize your book—it positions it in the market. Here’s how it impacts your book’s success:

• Searchability: Online platforms use categories and keywords to show your book to readers.

• Algorithm Exposure: Amazon’s recommendation engine favors correctly categorized books.

• Reader Expectations: A thriller reader won’t pick up a romantic comedy, and vice versa.

• Chart Placement: On platforms like Amazon, your book can rank in category-specific bestseller lists, boosting visibility.

• Bookseller Classification: Brick-and-mortar stores use categories to shelve and promote your title.

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4. Understanding BISAC Codes

The Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) code is a standardized classification system used by publishers, distributors, and booksellers (like Amazon, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble).

Each BISAC code corresponds to a subject area and looks like this:

• FIC027020 – Fiction / Romance / Contemporary

• BUS035000 – Business & Economics / Women in Business

• SEL031000 – Self-Help / Personal Growth / Success

You typically choose 1 to 3 BISAC codes when you publish. These codes influence how your book is sorted by wholesalers and retailers.

Tip: Choose the most specific and accurate code that matches your content.

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5. How to Categorize a Fiction Book

Fiction is largely driven by genre and audience.

Ask yourself:

• Is my story plot-driven (e.g., thriller, mystery) or character-driven (e.g., literary)?

• Does it have fantastical elements (fantasy/sci-fi) or is it rooted in realism?

• Is romance central or secondary?

• What age group is it for? (Adult, Young Adult, Middle Grade, etc.)

Example:
A coming-of-age story set in the 1980s about a teenager discovering her sexuality could be categorized as:

• Fiction / LGBTQ+ / Coming of Age

• Fiction / Literary

• Fiction / Historical

This layered categorization helps attract readers interested in multiple facets of the book.

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6. How to Categorize a Nonfiction Book

For nonfiction, your categories should reflect:

• Subject matter (e.g., productivity, health, finance)

• Reader’s goal (e.g., to learn, to be inspired, to improve a skill)

• Approach (e.g., memoir-style vs instructional)

Example:
A book teaching entrepreneurs how to scale a small business using psychological principles could be:

• Business & Economics / Entrepreneurship

• Psychology / Applied Psychology

• Self-Help / Personal Growth / Success

Key: Focus on how your book helps, informs, or entertains the reader, and tailor the categories accordingly.

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7. Using Amazon KDP Categories

Amazon allows you to select two main categories during the publishing process via Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). However, KDP uses its own system, which loosely maps to BISAC codes but includes narrower subcategories.

Important Tip:
After publishing, you can email KDP support and request additional categories—up to 10.

To do this:

1. Go to your KDP dashboard.

2. Click “Help” > “Contact Us.”

3. Choose “Book Details” > “Update Categories.”

4. Provide your ASIN, title, and a list of the additional categories you want your book to appear in.

Use Amazon’s category tree to explore the most relevant and specific classifications for your book:
https://www.amazon.com/b/?node=1000 (or search for "Amazon browse categories")

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8. Using Keywords Alongside Categories

In self-publishing platforms like KDP, you’re allowed to enter 7 keywords or keyword phrases alongside your chosen categories. These work with your categories to boost discoverability.

For fiction, you might include:

• “slow burn romance”

• “dark fantasy magic”

• “small town mystery”

For nonfiction, you might include:

• “leadership for new managers”

• “budgeting tips for families”

• “mental health for teenagers”

These keywords help position your book in long-tail search results, giving it a better chance to be discovered organically.

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9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing categories too broadly: “Fiction / General” is vague. Be specific.

• Misleading your readers: Don’t label your horror novel as romance just to hit a less competitive category.

• Ignoring your competition: Look at how similar bestsellers are categorized and mimic that structure.

• Failing to update: If your book evolves (e.g., gains traction in a niche), update the categories accordingly.

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10. How to Test and Refine Your Category Choices

If you're self-publishing:

• Monitor where your book is ranking.

• Look at your Amazon dashboard and check category placement.

• If your book isn’t visible or competitive, try re-categorizing.

If you’re traditionally publishing:

• Work with your editor or publicist to ensure the BISAC codes match your target audience and marketing plan.

Analytics Tip: Tools like Publisher Rocket (for KDP authors) can help analyze category competition and keyword strength.

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11. How Many Categories Can I Choose?

• Amazon KDP: 2 initially, up to 10 via customer support.

• IngramSpark: Up to 3 BISAC codes.

• Traditional publishers: Typically assign 1–3 BISAC codes; they also influence bookstore placement.

Using multiple accurate categories expands your reach, but only if each is truly relevant.

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12. Case Study: Categorizing Two Books

Example 1 – Fiction
Title: The Blood Mirror (Fantasy Novel)
Categories:

• Fiction / Fantasy / Epic

• Fiction / Adventure

• Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
  Keywords: “magic war,” “sword and sorcery,” “chosen one fantasy”

Example 2 – Nonfiction
Title: Eat, Move, Sleep (Health & Wellness)
Categories:

• Health & Fitness / Healthy Living

• Self-Help / Personal Growth / General
  Keywords: “lifestyle habits,” “prevent illness,” “simple daily tips”

In both examples, categories and keywords work together to target the ideal audience.

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Conclusion

Categorizing your book correctly is not just a technical step—it’s a strategic decision that influences discoverability, reader satisfaction, and long-term sales. Whether you're self-publishing or pursuing traditional publishing, thoughtful categorization ensures that your book lands in front of the readers who are most likely to value it.

To succeed:

• Know your audience

• Understand your genre

• Study comparable books

• Use BISAC codes, KDP categories, and keywords wisely

• Be specific, honest, and strategic

Your book's category is its first promise to the reader. Make that promise clear, compelling, and accurate—and you’ll increase your chances of success from the very first impression.