The Beginner Author’s Guide to BISAC Codes
The Evolution of Book Categorization
Over the years, we’ve witnessed significant changes in how books are categorized. These adaptations have been driven by the efforts of libraries, publishers, and bookstores to simplify the process of navigating the vast and ever-expanding catalog of available books. Picture yourself walking into a magnificent two-level bookstore, surrounded by shelves filled with captivating tomes. But how do you locate the book you desire amidst this abundance of choices?
Introducing BISAC Codes
In the late 1980s, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) introduced a classification system called the Book Industry Standards and Communications code, or BISAC for short. This system was designed to enhance efficiency in the book industry by assisting brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers in categorizing books based on their content. Think of the BISAC system as the business world’s version of the Dewey Decimal System. It allows any bookstore employee to guide you directly to the shelf where your desired book is stored, along with similar stories that align with your interests.
Understanding BISAC Codes and Keywords
It’s important to note that keywords and BISAC codes serve different purposes. Keywords are the terms readers use to identify specific books or tropes and cover a wide range of topics. On platforms like Amazon, categories can be separate from the BISAC system. For example, “Fantasy TV, Movie & Game Tie-In” is a searchable term and category on Amazon, but it is not listed as a BISAC subject heading. The BISAC Subject Heading list utilizes a standardized set of specific categories within the North American book industry.
The Structure and Consistency of BISAC Codes
In that expansive bookstore we envisioned earlier, you’ll likely find separate sections for fiction and nonfiction, with further divisions for adults, children, and teens. Within these sections, topics branch out into subcategories. The complete list of BISAC codes and subcategories can be found at https://bisg.org/complete-bisac-subject-headings-list. The beauty of the BISAC system lies in its consistency, allowing booksellers to organize their inventory and enabling readers to locate books with ease.
The Significance of BISAC Codes for Distributors
The BISAC system isn’t merely an optional marketing tool; it’s a vital component of a book’s metadata for many distributors. Major retailers and platforms such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, independent bookstores, Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Google Books, and Kobo rely on BISAC codes to classify and organize books within their catalogs. By utilizing BISAC codes, users can search and explore books by subject, facilitating the discovery of relevant titles.
Navigating BISAC Codes for Non-Conventional Books
Selecting the appropriate BISAC categories can be a more complex task for authors whose books blur genre lines or don’t neatly fit into specific categories. However, there are strategies to simplify the process. Platforms like Amazon offer drop-down menus mirroring the BISAC listings on the BISG site, allowing authors to choose categories and subcategories. Researching books similar to yours and reviewing their chosen categories can provide valuable insights. Tools such as Publisher Rocket (https://publisherrocket.com) and K-lytics’ genre reports can also assist in exploring the available options.
Managing Explicit Content and Age Appropriateness
Beyond categorizing story content, the BISAC system provides hierarchical organization indicating whether a book is suitable for readers under eighteen. YA and Juvenile categories denote books suitable for readers under eighteen, while other categories imply that the material may not be suitable for younger readers
due to language or subject matter. By appropriately indicating explicit content, authors adhere to the best practices outlined by the BISG and ensure their books reach the intended audience.
Embracing the Power of BISAC Codes
The BISAC system doesn’t aim to limit publishing options or confuse authors. Instead, it provides a structure and framework to facilitate book discovery and categorization. By experimenting with the available options, conducting research, and selecting the most suitable categories, authors can enhance the visibility of their books and enable the right readers to find their stories. Embrace the power of BISAC codes, and embark on a journey that connects your book with its intended audience.
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