Just checked my book details on the bookshelf, and it does list thriller as a second category.Mike McIntyre said:I notice that you have only one Kindle category on your product page (as opposed to Book categories). You are allowed two. You might consider adding a Thriller sub-category. Amazon lists the total number of books in each sub-category. For example, 5,577 eBooks are currently categorized within the Women Sleuths sub-category. I read somewhere that it's a good idea to get your book listed in sub-categories with fewer total titles, making it easier to break into a Top 100 list, and thereby gain more visibility. BUT ONLY IF THE SUB-CATEGORY ACCURATELY REFLECTS YOUR BOOK. I don't see "eco thriller," but could your book fit within the sub-category "technothriller"? If so, it would be within a sub-category that has only 1,245 titles.
Kindle categories are listed about two-thirds the way down your product page under the heading LOOK FOR SIMILAR ITEMS BY CATEGORY. Yes, you are listed under "Thriller" for the pathway that starts with BOOKS, as opposed to KINDLE STORE. But since your title is an eBook, I would think that you would want both your allotted pathways to start with KINDLE STORE, since many Amazon customers searching for BOOKS don't want an eBook. Put it in front of customers who are looking for eBooks, is all I'm saying. (I'd be interested to learn if someone has another opinion on this.)ToniD said:Just checked my book details on the bookshelf, and it does list thriller as a second category.
Where on my product page are the Kindle categories listed? I can't believe I can't find the spot, but....help?
Mike, a fine, informative post. I have wondered for a long time how the sub-genre categories were assigned to our books. Initially, KDP allowed five selections, and now only two. Still, they do not offer all the categories that show on the rankings page. From what you say, Amazon will add them manually if requested. I might try that route. It seems odd that Amazon would have those categories within the rank listings, but not offer them within the publishing platform. That would require arbitrary placement by KDP staff.Mike McIntyre said:Toni,
If you go to the main Kindle eBooks page on Amazon, you will see all the categories listed on the left. If you click the appropriate category--in your case, "Mystery & Thrillers"--it will lead to sub-categories. Again, in your case, Mystery > Women Sleuths. You can then scroll through that list to see where your title is ranked.
I notice that you have only one Kindle category on your product page (as opposed to Book categories). You are allowed two. You might consider adding a Thriller sub-category. Amazon lists the total number of books in each sub-category. For example, 5,577 eBooks are currently categorized within the Women Sleuths sub-category. I read somewhere that it's a good idea to get your book listed in sub-categories with fewer total titles, making it easier to break into a Top 100 list, and thereby gain more visibility. BUT ONLY IF THE SUB-CATEGORY ACCURATELY REFLECTS YOUR BOOK. I don't see "eco thriller," but could your book fit within the sub-category "technothriller"? If so, it would be within a sub-category that has only 1,245 titles.
Another thing to remember is that not all of Amazon's sub-categories are listed on the KDP platform. If you see a sub-category you like that isn't available on KDP, email KDP support and ask them to manually add it for you. They have done this for me several times. It just takes a little persistence.
Not necessarily. Mine bounces in and out of the top 100 in the genre sub-categories every time I make a sale or two. The Kindle version has actually stayed in the top 100 in one since it released in February (on Kindle). I think it's still #60 in one.ToniD said:Looks like I've got a long wait in store.