Amazon, the leading online retailer, has recently announced a significant change to their book store category system. This change has far-reaching implications for authors and publishers who sell their works on the platform. However, there is no need for panic. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of the change, offering valuable advice on how to navigate and optimize the new system for maximum benefit.

So, what exactly has changed? Previously, authors and publishers had to follow a cumbersome process when selecting store categories for their books. Initially, they were limited to choosing two categories upon uploading their books to KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), with a limited selection that often did not align with the categories readers could browse. To access additional categories or request category changes, authors and publishers had to email KDP support, with a maximum limit of 10 categories per book/format.

Recognizing the need for a streamlined approach, Amazon has now simplified the process. Authors and publishers can now select a maximum of three categories per book/format directly through their KDP Bookshelf. This eliminates the need for external requests and provides greater control to content creators.

The pressing question arises: Should authors and publishers rush to update their categories? The answer depends on individual circumstances. If you have never requested additional categories from KDP Support and have relied solely on the two generic categories from the previous process, it is highly recommended that you log in to your KDP Bookshelf and update your categories accordingly.

However, for those who have already utilized the previous workaround for additional categories and currently have their books listed in more than three categories, there is no immediate cause for concern. Existing categories will remain unless and until they are updated through the KDP system. It is important to evaluate the impact of the existing categories and consider whether adjustments are necessary to align with marketing goals.

In September of the previous year, Amazon initiated a gradual transition by limiting the number of categories a book could rank in to three. This initial change, while not widely publicized, instantly influenced the store's dynamics. It meant that although a book could be listed in up to ten categories, it would only appear in the bestseller rankings of three selected by Amazon. Consequently, authors lost control over which categories their books would rank in.

It is crucial to note that listing in multiple categories offers benefits beyond the bestseller and hot new releases rankings, such as increased visibility in search results and the popularity list. Therefore, being listed in more than three categories can be advantageous, unless the three categories chosen by Amazon do not align with the book's relevance. If authors are satisfied with their current categories, it is advisable not to make any changes. However, for those seeking specific category placement, utilizing the new system and narrowing down to their three chosen categories becomes the only option.

Is this change beneficial or detrimental? While some authors may express frustration over the loss of the ability to list their books in multiple moderately relevant categories, the overall impact of this change is overwhelmingly positive. The previous workaround for requesting additional categories was not only cumbersome, but also led to categories being inundated with irrelevant books. This negatively impacted the browsing experience for readers and compromised the effectiveness of Amazon's recommendation engine.

Furthermore, the previous system created an environment where mainstream bestsellers dominated multiple categories, limiting visibility for other deserving books. By implementing this change, Amazon aims to combat pollution within categories and level the playing field. It distributes the chances of ranking highly in a category more evenly, benefiting midlist authors and publishers rather than exclusively favoring top sellers.

Choosing the right categories for each format is now more critical than ever, as it can significantly impact a book's visibility on Amazon. Authors and publishers must carefully evaluate their choices to maximize exposure and attract their target audience effectively.

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