What’s in a Genre? 3 Tips to Name the Right Category for Your Book

By Greenleaf Team - Apr 02 , 2007

By Tanya Hall

During production, many authors, designers and new publishers commit one or all of the following category crimes: (a) list the wrong genre on the back cover or dust jacket flap, (b) use descriptive terms instead of industry standard category names, or (c) list multiple genres instead of a primary with a subcategory specification.

The genre designation serves a specific purpose in retail distribution and should not be taken lightly, so here are three tips to help you choose the right category for your book:

#1: Use BISAC Subject Codes

Many of the systems in which your distributor will set up your title require a BISAC subject code, and you can use this code to help you determine the most appropriate genre to include on your book cover. When selecting your title’s BISAC subject code(s), consider the audience you will be marketing it to and the content of the work. Gather some objective opinions from people outside the project and research the classification of similar titles. If your title closely matches two different subjects, choose the one in which you think your target audience is most likely to look for it. Bear in mind, however, that booksellers’ cataloging departments may override your subject listing if it doesn’t fit their shelving systems. The full list of BISAC codes is available online.

#2: Discuss the Category with Your Distributor

If your book can be classified in multiple categories, talk to your distributor before going to press. They may think that one buyer will react better to your book than another, and may suggest a category based on that preference. This decision could have a huge impact on your distributor’s ability to negotiate for big sales and good store placement, so it’s in your best interest to include them in this decision.

#3: Consider Location, Location, Location

Your genre defines not only your audience, but also the location of its placement in bookstores. Remember that a book cannot live in business, fiction, and self-help, so choose the location that is the most desirable and most appropriate for your content.