How To Add Categories On Amazon KDP

Introduction.

Self-publishing on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform has opened up incredible opportunities for writers worldwide. But with millions of books on Amazon, getting yours noticed can be a challenge.

That’s where categories come in. Choosing the right categories can make a huge difference in how visible your book is, reaching the right readers, and even hitting bestseller lists in niche genres.

Amazon KDP offers two main types of categories: the primary categories you select during the publishing process and additional categories you can add later to maximize reach.

It’s an often-overlooked feature, but strategically adding categories can significantly impact your book’s success.

This guide will walk you through the whole process, helping you understand how to choose the best categories and why it’s essential.

Why Categories Matter on Amazon KDP

Categories are more than just a way to organize books; they’re essential for visibility, relevance, and sales.

Amazon organizes its vast library by genres, subgenres, and themes, helping readers find books that match their interests.

When you add your book to the right categories, you’re making it easier for potential readers to find it. For new authors, especially, this can mean the difference between a book that sells and one that stays hidden.

Properly categorized books have a better chance of ranking in bestseller lists within their genres. With careful selection, you might be able to dominate a smaller niche category even if you’re new to publishing.

This visibility not only boosts sales but also lends credibility—who wouldn’t trust a book that’s labeled a “bestseller”? So, if you’re ready to make your book stand out, let’s dive into how to add categories on Amazon KDP effectively.

How Do I Add Categories On Amazon KDP?

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get your book categorized perfectly:

1. Select Primary Categories.

During the publishing process, Amazon prompts you to choose two primary categories. Take time to think about where your book fits best.

Try to balance specificity and popularity—too broad, and your book might get lost; too niche, and you might limit your audience.

2. Add More Categories Through KDP Support.

Amazon allows you to add up to 10 categories per book, but the process isn’t automatic. You’ll need to contact KDP Support directly to add these extra categories.

This manual step is a chance to expand your book’s reach without overwhelming it in an overly broad category.

3. Research Competitive Categories.

A good strategy is to find books similar to yours and look at their categories. Tools like Publisher Rocket or BookBeam can help identify popular categories that aren’t overly competitive. Aim for categories where the bestseller rank requirement is achievable for you.

4. Regularly Reassess and Update Categories.

Categories can shift over time. A highly competitive category might become less so, or you may notice better performance in another category. Keep an eye on your book’s performance and adjust as needed.

Pros and Cons of Adding Multiple Categories

Adding multiple categories is mostly beneficial, but there are a few downsides to consider.

Pros:

• Better Visibility: More categories mean more potential readers finding your book.
• Higher Chance of Hitting Bestseller Lists: By choosing the right niches, you can increase the chances of ranking highly.
• Broader Appeal: Appealing to different categories can broaden your book’s appeal and potential sales.

Cons:

• Risk of Over-Categorization: Adding too many categories, especially irrelevant ones, can dilute your book’s identity.
• Confusing the Target Audience: If your book appears in very different categories, readers might find it hard to understand what your book is truly about.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Amazon KDP Categories

Q: Can I choose more than two categories when publishing my book?

A: Initially, Amazon lets you pick two categories, but you can add up to 10 by reaching out to KDP Support.

Q: How can I tell which categories are best for my book?

A: Look at similar books, research their categories, and use tools like Publisher Rocket to find less competitive options that still have good visibility.

Q: Does Amazon penalize for changing categories frequently?

A: No, there’s no penalty. In fact, many authors adjust categories as they experiment to find the most effective ones.

Q: How do I contact Amazon KDP Support to add categories?

A: Log into your KDP account, go to the “Help” section, and select “Contact Us.” Choose the category update request option and list the new categories you want.

Q: How often should I review my book’s categories?

A: It’s a good idea to check in every few months, especially if your book’s ranking changes or you see a shift in sales.

Conclusion.

Optimizing your book’s categories on Amazon KDP is a powerful yet simple way to increase visibility and reach the right readers.

Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned publisher, using categories strategically can make all the difference.

By choosing the right categories and regularly updating them, you’ll give your book the best possible chance to succeed.

So, have you thought about how updating your book’s categories could boost its performance?