BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) codes are essential for categorising and organising books in the publishing industry. Created by the Book Industry Study Group, these codes provide a standardised system for classifying books by subject, making it easier for retailers, libraries, distributors, and publishers to identify a book’s content at a glance. For instance, booksellers and online retailers use BISAC codes to group titles into specific genres, helping consumers locate books quickly and improving the browsing experience. Libraries and academic institutions also rely on BISAC to organise and catalogue books, which streamlines both shelving and searching.

Beyond aiding discoverability, BISAC codes impact marketing strategies and sales channels. Accurate classification allows publishers to market books directly to their target audiences, aligning with consumer interests and optimising sales. For online retailers, BISAC codes enhance search engine optimisation (SEO), driving more potential readers to the book. The right BISAC code can place a book within a niche, expanding its visibility among the relevant audience while avoiding competitive mainstream categories. In sum, BISAC codes are not only a tool for categorization but also a powerful instrument for enhancing a book’s reach, discoverability, and commercial success across various platforms and retail channels.

Selecting the right BISAC categories is crucial for maximising a book's discoverability and sales potential. Here are 20 tips to guide you:

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1. Understand Your Book's Core Theme
Identify the main topics and themes of your book to choose relevant categories.

2. Limit to Key Categories
Choose only a few relevant BISAC categories (usually 1-3) to avoid diluting your book’s market position. Focus on the book's content, not its format, language, audience, or author. Ask yourself how your target readers would search for this book.

3. Prioritize BISAC codes by relevance
List BISAC codes in order of importance, as some retailers only accept the first listed.

4. Use Specific Categories
‍Choose the most specific BISAC codes applicable, as this enhances niche visibility. Consider the content of the book. The BISAC should reflect what the book is about; not the format, language in which it is written, audience, or author. Think: How might your targeted customers search for the book?

5. Consider Your Target Audience
‍Select categories that align with the interests of your intended readers.

6. Don’t combine specific and general subjects
For example, if using FIC031040 (FICTION / Thrillers / Medical), avoid adding FIC031000 (FICTION / Thrillers / General). The broader category is implied in the specific one, except when adding Amazon TSK keywords.

7. Reflect on the Book’s Genre
Choose BISAC codes that align with the genre, such as “Thriller” or “Self-Help.”

8. Check for Updated Codes
BISAC codes are periodically updated, so make sure your choices are current. BISG revises the list yearly; verify your titles to ensure none of their codes are outdated, and consider if a new, more accurate BISAC is available.

9. Think About SEO
The right BISAC categories can improve a book's search rankings on retail sites.

10. Consult the BISG Website
The Book Industry Study Group provides a comprehensive, searchable list of BISAC codes.

11. Match Reader Expectations
Pick categories that resonate with how readers commonly perceive the genre.

12. Consider Retailer Preferences
Some retailers prioritise certain BISAC codes, so be aware of retailer guidelines.

13. Align with Marketing Goals
Select BISAC codes that align with your marketing and promotional strategies.

14. Avoid Misleading Codes
Selecting irrelevant codes may lead to reader dissatisfaction and lower ratings.

15. Avoid using the NON-CLASSIFIABLE code (NON000000)
This is only suitable for truly unclassifiable items, like blank books, and not for books that lack classification. Only use broad “General” codes if your book genuinely fits no other specific code.

16. Experiment with Secondary Categories
If a primary category is competitive, a secondary one can help attract niche readers.

17. Look Beyond Genre
Consider codes that cover themes or subject matter beyond the genre, like "Mental Health" or "Diversity."

18. Stay Consistent Across Formats
Use the same BISAC codes for all formats of your book, such as eBooks or audiobooks, to maintain uniformity.

19. Don’t mix FICTION and NON-FICTION codes
This applies to both juvenile and adult categories, unless the book is a collection containing both genres.

20. Test and Adjust
After initial publication, review sales and reader feedback to determine if a category change might improve discoverability.

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These tips can help you navigate the BISAC selection process, ensuring that your book finds the right audience and stands out in a crowded marketplace.

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