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Help — Getting Started

Setting Up Book Metadata

discoverability is everything

Optimize your book's discoverability with proper metadata. Good metadata is crucial — readers search using keywords, browse by category, and make decisions based on descriptions.

Required Fields

Title

  • Be clear and memorable
  • Match the title on your cover exactly
  • Use title case (capitalize major words)
  • Don't include "Book 1" or series info here (use subtitle instead)

Author Name

  • Can be your real name or a pen name
  • Be consistent across all your books
  • Format: "First Last" or "First Middle Last"

Description

Your book's blurb — this is your sales pitch to readers.

  • Hook readers in the first sentence
  • Focus on conflict and stakes
  • Keep it under 300 words
  • Use formatting (bold, lists)
  • End with a question or cliffhanger

Avoid: spoiling the ending, being too vague, lengthy backstory, begging for reviews.

Optional Fields

  • Subtitle — Series info, genre clarification, or tagline
  • ISBN — 13-digit format, not required for ebook distribution
  • Language — Your book's primary language
  • Contributors — Editor, illustrator, translator, narrator

Categories & Keywords (Classification Tab)

BISAC Categories

  • Be specific: "Mystery > Cozy" not just "Fiction"
  • Choose categories where you can compete
  • Select 1-3 that best describe your book

Keywords

Add 5-7 keywords readers might search for:

  • Think like a reader searching for books
  • Include genre-specific terms
  • Add tropes or themes: "enemies to lovers", "time travel"
  • Avoid generic words like "book" or "novel"

Description Formula

  1. Paragraph 1: Hook + situation
  2. Paragraph 2: Conflict + stakes
  3. Paragraph 3: Emotional appeal + call to action
  4. Optional: Series info, awards, reader quotes

Common Metadata Mistakes

  • ALL CAPS titles or random capitalization
  • Starting description with "This book is about..."
  • Spoiling major plot points
  • Choosing irrelevant categories for visibility
  • Being too broad ("Fiction") instead of specific

Updating Metadata

You can update your metadata anytime — go to My Shelf, click your book, edit, and save. Changes propagate to stores in 24-48 hours.

Uploading Your First Book | Choosing Distribution Channels | Updating Published Books