- Categories tell the store where your book belongs.
- Specific usually beats broad.
- Only choose categories that honestly fit.
- Rules change, so check current KDP help.
What categories do
Categories tell the store where your book belongs and where readers can browse for it. When they match your book well, the right readers are more likely to come across it.
Why specific usually beats broad
A very broad category puts you against thousands of books, many with far more reviews. A more specific category can help your book stand out where readers are actually looking for something like it.
How to research your categories
- Find five to ten books similar to yours.
- On each book page, look at the categories shown in its product details.
- Click through to see how crowded each category is and what kinds of books appear.
- Shortlist the ones where your book honestly belongs and could be seen.
Be honest about fit
Choose categories that truly describe your book. A mismatch confuses readers, can lead to poor reviews and may be changed by the store.
Rules change
KDP decides how many categories you can choose and how to request changes, and these details have changed over time. Check the current KDP help pages before you decide.
Review them now and then
Look at your categories again after launch and when your book has had time to gather reviews. A category that looked too crowded early on may become realistic later.
Common questions
How many categories can I choose?
KDP sets the limit and it has changed over time, so check the current KDP help pages.
Can I change my categories later?
Usually yes, through your KDP account, though changes can take time to appear. Check KDP help for the current process.
Not sure which categories fit?
Category and keyword research is part of our Amazon/KDP optimization.
See Amazon/KDP Optimization