Insider Tips for Success
(This article mainly focuses on fiction categorization. Please keep following us for our next article concerning non-fiction titles.) Categories function as Amazon’s curated digital shelves, positioning your book precisely where interested readers seek new fiction. Accurate category selection enhances your book’s visibility, ranks it effectively, and connects it with target audiences. Getting this step right can make a big difference in your book’s success.
Why Choosing the Right Fiction Categories Matters
Amazon allows authors to select up to three categories during the initial setup (an increase from the previous limit of two), which means you can strategically place your book in multiple relevant spots within the vast Amazon catalog. These categories:
- Help place your book in front of readers who browse specific genres and subgenres.
- Influence where your book appears in bestseller lists and curated recommendations.
- Work alongside keywords to maximize your book’s discoverability.
Insider Tips for Fiction Authors on Amazon KDP Category Selection
1. Choose Three Balanced Categories
Combine broad genres with more niche subcategories to cast a wider but still targeted net. For example, if your book is a cozy mystery with romantic elements, you might pick:
- Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Cozy Mystery
- Romance > Contemporary Romance
- Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Women Sleuths
This improves chances of discovery in different reader communities.
2. Research Similar Bestselling Books
Look at successful titles that resemble yours on Amazon and examine their categories. Many top authors select less obvious subgenres with lower competition but strong reader bases, which can improve your ranking.
3. Avoid Duplicate or Ghost Categories
Be mindful that some categories on Amazon are duplicates or “ghosts” — categories where you cannot actually earn a bestseller tag or get optimal visibility. Tools like Publisher Rocket or KDP Rocket can help identify these to avoid wasting your category slots.
4. Use Author Central and Support to Add More Categories
In addition to the three categories selected on upload, authors can request additional categories via Amazon Author Central or direct support requests to refine placement over time and reach more readers.
5. Monitor Rankings and Adjust Categories
After your book launch, track how your book ranks in each category. If it’s not performing well, you can request category changes to test different niches and optimize visibility.
6. Keywords and Categories Together
Choose categories that complement your chosen keywords. Keywords help Amazon’s algorithm classify your book, so consistent theme signals from both support better discoverability.
7. Consider Seasonal or Trending Subgenres
Align your book’s category selection with seasonal trends (e.g., holiday romance during winter) or popular emerging subgenres to catch surges in reader interest.
Real-World Author Strategies
- Cross-genre approaches: Authors who pick categories spanning multiple genres attract diverse readers and create multiple discovery points.
- Hidden category finds: Some authors find success by requesting lesser-known but relevant categories, which have less competition but dedicated reader followings.
- Early category testing: Changing categories early in a book’s life cycle based on sales helps optimize reach and placements dynamically.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing irrelevant or overly broad categories that dilute discovery.
- Failing to research competition and popularity in categories.
- Neglecting to use Author Central to update or expand categories.
- Ignoring the interplay between categories and keywords.
Final Thoughts
The ability to select three categories upfront in Amazon KDP gives fiction authors more control to position their books smartly within a competitive marketplace. Using a mix of broad and niche categories, aligning with reader expectations, and actively managing your category strategy can boost your book’s visibility and sales potential. Stay flexible, track your book’s performance, and leverage insider tips to find the best category “home” for your fiction work.
With thoughtful category selection, your story has a better chance to be discovered by the right readers—and to thrive on Amazon’s powerful platform.