How to Choose Amazon Kindle Categories: The Complete KDP Guide (2026)

Your book could be a bestseller—in the right category.

That's not hyperbole. Amazon's category system determines where your book appears in bestseller lists, what "also bought" recommendations it receives, and which readers discover it through browsing. Choose a broad, competitive category like "Thriller," and your book drowns in a sea of 100,000+ titles. Choose a strategic niche category, and you could hit #1 in your first week.

Yet most authors treat category selection as an afterthought—clicking through KDP's dropdown menus in 30 seconds without understanding the system they're navigating.

In this guide, you'll learn how Amazon's category system actually works, how to find categories that give your book the best chance of ranking, and how to request up to 10 categories (yes, more than the default three).

What You'll Learn

• Why KDP Categories Matter More Than You Think
• BISAC vs Browse Categories: Understanding the Difference
• How Many Categories Can You Choose?
• How to Research the Right Categories
• Category Selection Strategies That Work
• How to Request Additional Categories from Amazon
• Genre-Specific Category Tips
• Common Category Mistakes to Avoid
• FAQ

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Why KDP Categories Matter More Than You Think

Categories do more than organize Amazon's catalog. They directly affect your book's discoverability in three critical ways:

Bestseller list visibility. Every Amazon category has its own bestseller list. Ranking in the top 100—or better yet, top 20—of any category earns you an orange "Best Seller" or "Hot New Release" badge. This badge creates a positive feedback loop: more visibility leads to more sales, which improves your ranking further.

Algorithmic recommendations. Amazon's "Customers who bought this also bought" and "Recommended for you" features are heavily influenced by category placement. A book in "Medical Thrillers" gets recommended alongside other medical thrillers. Miscategorize your book, and you'll get recommended to the wrong readers.

Browse discoverability. Many readers discover books by browsing category pages rather than searching. If your cozy mystery isn't in the Cozy Mystery category, those browsers will never see it.

According to Kindle Direct Publishing, over 12 million books are available on Amazon. Category selection is one of the few levers you can pull to stand out in that ocean.

Based on our analysis of 1,500+ author reports, books placed in highly specific niche categories see 3x more category page traffic than those in broad top-level categories—even when the niche category has fewer total browsers.

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BISAC vs Browse Categories: Understanding the Difference

Here's where most authors get confused: Amazon actually uses two different category systems.

BISAC Categories (What You Select During Upload)

When you publish through KDP, you select from BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) categories. These are standardized codes used across the publishing industry, not just Amazon.

BISAC categories are hierarchical and use codes like:

• FIC022000 — FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General
• FIC031010 — FICTION / Thrillers / Psychological

During KDP upload, you navigate dropdown menus to select your BISAC categories. Amazon uses these as a starting point to place your book.

Browse Categories (What Readers Actually See)

Amazon's customer-facing "Browse Categories" are different from BISAC codes. These are Amazon's own system, designed for how readers actually shop. Browse categories include:

• Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers > Medical
• Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction > Domestic Life

Browse categories are often more specific and numerous than BISAC options. Critically, many browse categories can only be accessed by contacting Amazon support—they're not available in the KDP dropdown menus.

Why This Matters

The categories you select during upload don't always match exactly to browse categories. Amazon's system interprets your BISAC selections and places your book accordingly. Sometimes the placement is logical. Sometimes it's not.

This is why checking where your book actually ended up (after publishing) and requesting specific browse categories (via support) is essential.

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How Many Categories Can You Choose?

The short answer: up to 10 categories total, but it requires extra steps.

During KDP Upload: 3 Categories

When you initially publish, KDP lets you select up to 3 BISAC categories. Many authors stop here, assuming that's the limit.

After Publishing: Up to 10 Categories

Amazon allows up to 10 browse categories per book, but you need to email KDP support to add the extras. This is one of the most underutilized tactics in self-publishing.

Here's the process:

1. Publish your book with your initial 3 categories
2. Research the specific browse categories you want (more on this below)
3. Email KDP support with your request
4. Provide your ASIN, book title, and the exact category paths you want

Amazon typically processes these requests within 48-72 hours. We'll cover the exact email template in the "How to Request Additional Categories" section.

Kindle vs Print Categories

Note that Kindle ebooks and paperback editions have separate category assignments. If you have both formats, you'll need to optimize categories for each.

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How to Research the Right Categories

Don't guess. Research which categories give your specific book the best chance of visibility.

Method 1: Analyze Your Comp Titles

Find 5-10 books similar to yours that are selling well. Check which categories they're listed in.

How to find a book's categories:

1. Go to the book's Amazon product page
2. Scroll down to "Product Details"
3. Look for "Best Sellers Rank"—it shows the category rankings

For example:

Best Sellers Rank: #2,345 in Kindle Store

• #12 in Medical Thrillers
• #18 in Psychological Thrillers
• #34 in Crime Thrillers

This tells you the book is ranked in three browse categories. If your book is similar and those categories fit, note them for your own list.

For help identifying the right comp titles, see our guide on how to research comparable titles for your book.

Method 2: Browse Amazon's Category Trees

Navigate through Amazon's category structure manually:

1. Go to Amazon.com > Kindle eBooks
2. Click through categories and subcategories
3. Note the full category paths for relevant niches

The deeper you go, the less competition you'll face. "Mystery & Thriller > Thrillers" has massive competition. "Mystery & Thriller > Thrillers > Medical" is more achievable.

Method 3: Check Category Competitiveness

Before committing to a category, check if you can realistically rank:

1. Navigate to your target category's bestseller list
2. Click on the #1 and #20 ranked books
3. Check their Best Sellers Rank (BSR) in the overall Kindle Store

General benchmarks:

• If the #20 book has a BSR under 10,000 → Very competitive category
• If the #20 book has a BSR of 10,000-50,000 → Moderately competitive
• If the #20 book has a BSR over 50,000 → Achievable for most authors

A book with BSR 50,000 in a niche category can be a "bestseller" in that category. The same book would be invisible in a broad category where you need BSR 5,000 to crack the top 100.

Method 4: Use Keyword-to-Category Mapping

Some categories are tied to specific keywords. If you include certain keywords in your book's metadata, Amazon may automatically place you in related categories.

For example, including "military thriller" in your keywords might help placement in military thriller categories. This isn't guaranteed, but it's worth testing alongside direct category requests.

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Category Selection Strategies That Work

Strategy 1: The 3-Tier Approach

Select categories across three levels of competition:

Tier 1 (1-2 categories): Reach categories Broad categories where you'd love to rank but competition is fierce. Worth including for algorithmic association, even if you won't hit the bestseller list.

Tier 2 (3-5 categories): Target categories Specific niches where you can realistically rank top 50 with moderate sales. These are your bread and butter.

Tier 3 (2-3 categories): Ranking categories Very niche categories where even 5-10 sales per day could make you #1. These give you bestseller badges that build credibility.

Strategy 2: Genre + Audience Targeting

Don't just think about what your book is—think about who reads it.

Categories exist for:

• Genre (Thriller, Romance, Fantasy)
• Subgenre (Psychological Thriller, Paranormal Romance)
• Audience (Women's Fiction, LGBTQ+)
• Theme (Books about disability, Mental health fiction)
• Setting (Small town, International)

A psychological thriller with a female protagonist set in a small town could fit:

• Thrillers > Psychological
• Women's Fiction > Domestic Life
• Small Town & Rural Fiction

Maximize your category slots by covering different angles.

Strategy 3: Avoid Overcrowded Top-Level Categories

Categories like "Fiction > Literary" or "Mystery & Detective > General" have hundreds of thousands of books. Unless you're already a bestselling author, you'll never be visible there.

Always go at least one level deeper. "Mystery & Detective > Women Sleuths" or "Mystery & Detective > Cozy > Culinary" gives you a fighting chance.

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How to Request Additional Categories from Amazon

Here's the exact process to add categories beyond your initial three.

Step 1: Find the Exact Category Paths

Before contacting Amazon, identify the specific browse category paths you want. These must be exact.

Format: Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > [Main Category] > [Subcategory] > [Sub-subcategory]

Example: Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Thrillers > Medical

You can find these paths by browsing Amazon's category pages and copying the breadcrumb navigation.

Step 2: Email KDP Support

Contact KDP support through your KDP dashboard or email kdp-support@amazon.com.

Email Template:

Subject: Category Addition Request - [Book Title]

Hello,

I would like to request the following categories be added to my book:

Book Title: [Your Book Title] ASIN: [Your Book's ASIN] Author Name: [Your Name]

Requested Categories:

1. Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > [Full Category Path 1]
2. Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > [Full Category Path 2]
3. Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > [Full Category Path 3] [Add more as needed]

This book fits these categories because [brief 1-2 sentence explanation of fit].

Thank you for your assistance.

[Your Name]

Step 3: Wait for Confirmation

Amazon typically processes requests within 2-5 business days. You'll receive an email confirming which categories were added.

Note: Amazon may reject categories that don't fit your book's content. Be honest about relevance—gaming the system with irrelevant categories can backfire with poor reader reviews and reduced algorithmic favor.

When to Update Categories

Consider updating your categories:

• After launch, once you see where Amazon initially placed you
• When sales plateau (new categories = new discovery)
• When you notice comp titles ranking in categories you're not in
• Seasonally (some categories have holiday-relevant niches)

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Genre-Specific Category Tips

Different genres have different category dynamics. Here's what works:

Romance

Romance has the most granular subcategories on Amazon. Take advantage of this.

• Always go niche: "Romance > Contemporary > New Adult" beats "Romance > Contemporary"
• Use trope categories: Categories exist for specific tropes (billionaire, second chance, enemies to lovers)
• Consider heat level: Clean/wholesome romance has dedicated categories separate from steamy
• Series categories: If you have a series, look for series-specific categories

Mystery & Thriller

Competition is fierce in broad thriller categories.

• Subgenre is essential: Medical, legal, political, psychological—pick your lane
• Cozy mystery is a world unto itself: Cozy has subcategories for setting (cats, culinary, crafts)
• Amateur Sleuth vs Police Procedural: These attract different readers
• Consider the "Suspense" category: Some thrillers fit better in Suspense than Thriller

Science Fiction & Fantasy

These genres reward specificity.

• Epic vs Urban Fantasy: Very different audiences
• Hard sci-fi vs Space Opera: Different readers, different categories
• LitRPG and GameLit: Growing categories with dedicated fans
• Combine with audience: LGBTQ+ Fantasy, Women's Adventure

Non-Fiction

Non-fiction categories are often more competitive than fiction.

• Specificity wins: "Self-Help > Personal Transformation" beats "Self-Help"
• Business subcategories matter: Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Small Business are separate audiences
• Consider "Complementary" categories: A productivity book might also fit in Business, Psychology, and Career

For more on genre nuances, see our guide on types of fictional genres and understanding subgenres.

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Common Category Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Choosing Only Broad Categories

Selecting "Fiction" or "Nonfiction" as your main category is essentially selecting nothing. You'll never rank, never appear in recommendations, and never be discovered through browsing.

Fix: Always go at least 2-3 levels deep in the category hierarchy.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Category After Publishing

Many authors set categories once and forget them. Categories should be part of your ongoing marketing strategy.

Fix: Check your category rankings monthly. Test new categories if you plateau.

Mistake 3: Choosing Categories Based on Wishful Thinking

Your poetry collection doesn't belong in "Thrillers" just because thrillers sell better. Mismatched categories hurt your book:

• Readers who find you are the wrong audience and leave bad reviews
• Amazon's algorithm learns your book doesn't satisfy searchers in that category
• You miss readers who would actually love your book

Fix: Be honest about what your book is. Find the niche where you fit, then dominate it.

Mistake 4: Not Checking Where Amazon Actually Placed You

Your BISAC selections during upload don't guarantee specific browse category placement. Amazon interprets your selections.

Fix: After publishing, check your book's product page to see where you actually ended up. Request corrections if needed.

Mistake 5: Stopping at 3 Categories

The default 3 categories during upload is not the maximum. Every book can have up to 10.

Fix: Email KDP support to request additional categories. There's no downside.

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Your KDP Category Toolkit

Essential Resources:

• Amazon's BISAC Category List - Official category codes → Amazon KDP Help
• Publisher Rocket - Category research tool with competition data → Publisher Rocket
• ManuscriptReport - Automated genre analysis and category recommendations based on your manuscript → Get your report

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find what categories my book is currently in?

Go to your book's Amazon product page and scroll to the "Product Details" section. Under "Best Sellers Rank," you'll see each category your book is ranked in, with the full category path shown. If you don't see category rankings, your book may not be selling enough to rank yet—but you can still see assigned categories in your KDP dashboard under "Bookshelf."

Can I change my KDP categories after publishing?

Yes. You can change categories anytime through your KDP dashboard by editing your book's details, or by emailing KDP support to request specific browse categories. Changes typically take 24-72 hours to reflect on your product page. There's no limit to how often you can change categories.

How many categories can I have on Amazon?

You can select 3 BISAC categories during KDP upload, but Amazon allows up to 10 browse categories total. To add beyond the initial 3, email KDP support with your book's ASIN and the exact category paths you want. Most authors don't know this, leaving visibility on the table.

What's the difference between BISAC and browse categories?

BISAC categories are standardized industry codes you select during upload. Browse categories are Amazon's customer-facing system that readers actually see and navigate. They don't map 1:1—Amazon interprets your BISAC selections to place you in browse categories. Some browse categories are only available by requesting them from support.

Should I choose competitive or niche categories?

Both, using a tiered approach. Include 1-2 competitive categories for algorithmic association (even if you won't rank), 3-5 moderately competitive categories where you can realistically hit top 50, and 2-3 very niche categories where you can achieve #1. Niche categories build credibility through bestseller badges.

How long does it take for category changes to appear?

BISAC changes made through your KDP dashboard typically appear within 24-48 hours. Category requests submitted to KDP support usually take 2-5 business days. During high-volume periods (like holiday publishing seasons), it may take longer.

Does Amazon automatically put my book in categories based on keywords?

Sometimes. Amazon may place your book in certain browse categories based on keywords in your title, subtitle, or backend keyword fields. This isn't guaranteed, so don't rely on it. For specific category placement, request directly from support.

Can I be removed from a category I didn't choose?

Rarely, but yes. If Amazon determines your book doesn't fit a category (often through customer complaints or algorithm analysis), they may remove it. This usually only happens with egregious mismatches. If you believe a removal was wrong, contact support to appeal.

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Start Optimizing Your Categories Today

Category selection isn't a one-time task—it's an ongoing part of your book marketing strategy. The right categories put your book in front of readers who are already looking for exactly what you wrote. The wrong categories (or too few categories) leave sales on the table.

Next steps:

1. Check your current category placement on your Amazon product page
2. Research 5-10 comp titles to see where they're categorized
3. Identify 7 additional categories to request from Amazon
4. Email KDP support with your category request

For faster category research, ManuscriptReport analyzes your manuscript and recommends relevant genres and categories based on your actual content—not guesswork. Get your book report and spend less time on research, more time writing.

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Related Reading:

• Mastering Amazon KDP Keywords for More Sales
• 7 Proven Steps to Optimize Book Metadata for Amazon
• How to Research Comparable Titles for Your Book