When it comes to selling books online, metadata is what makes your book discoverable. It’s the behind-the-scenes data that tells retailers, distributors, and readers what your book is about and why it should show up in search results. In many ways, good metadata connects your book with the right audience.
Unfortunately, many indie authors overlook this step. They focus on cover design, editing, and launch plans but fail to optimize the very information that determines whether readers ever find their book in the first place. In most cases, they don’t know what they are missing until it gets pointed out.
So, what exactly is book metadata and which pieces matter most?
Core Metadata (the essentials)
These are the must-have elements that every book needs for online and physical distribution. If these are weak or missing, your book’s visibility will suffer.
- Title and Subtitle – Your title should be clear and searchable. A strong subtitle can boost discoverability by adding keywords that describe your book’s content, tone, or audience. The title has the most weight when it comes to discoverability, then the subtitle.
- Author Name – Use a consistent name across all platforms. Even small variations can confuse distribution systems or cause multiple listings.
- Book Description (Synopsis) – This is one of the most powerful pieces of metadata. It needs to engage readers and include relevant keywords naturally. The first few lines should hook interest; the rest should summarize what the reader will experience, and the end should leave them wanting more. Like a movie trailer.
- Keywords – Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark allow you to enter keywords that describe your book’s genre, themes, and audience. Research what readers are searching for and use a mix of broad and niche terms.
- Categories and BISAC Codes – These determine where your book is shelved digitally. Choosing accurate, specific categories improves visibility in bestseller lists and recommendations. Choice 3 on IngramSpark with the first one being most relevant. Try not to use “General” categories.
- ISBN and Publisher Information – Essential for tracking and distribution. Your ISBN ensures your book can be found, ordered, and catalogued correctly. DO NOT USE FREE ISBNs from either POD companies. GO directly to Bowker, Identifier services to purchase your own.
- Price and Format Details – List pricing, trim size, page count, and format (paperback, eBook, hardcover, audiobook). Consistency across platforms builds credibility and trust and allows for a nice variety of readers.
- Author Bio and Photo – Often overlooked, but metadata systems use bios and keywords in author descriptions too. Plus, readers want to know who wrote the book and why their qualifications are.
- Reviews and Endorsements – This is where your editorial reviews should go and ideally you have a handful of reviews by “industry experts” or target audience professionals. This will help readers decide if the book is for them, especially in the pre-publishing phase where reader reviews cannot be posted yet.
Enhanced Metadata (might not be required but important)
Once you’ve nailed the basics, these additional details can strengthen discoverability and professionalism.
- Series Information – Helps retailers link your titles and encourages read-through across books.
- Contributor Roles – Add illustrators, editors, or narrators where applicable. This can improve SEO and connect your book to their audience.
- Age Range or Audience Tags – Especially useful for children’s, YA, and academic titles.
- Territorial Rights – Clarify where and how the book can be sold internationally.
Metadata is not just technical, it’s strategic. Strong metadata ensures your book appears in the right searches, reaches its intended audience, and looks professional to retailers and distributors. It can mean the difference between a book that quietly disappears online and one that gains steady, organic traction.
Before you hit “publish,” invest the time to craft accurate, keyword-rich, and reader-focused metadata. Think of it as the foundation of your book’s marketing, because without it, even the best story can stay hidden.
Rick Lite of Stress Free Book Marketing, stands at the forefront of the ever-changing book industry. He is a seasoned book marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Rick’s expertise comes from tirelessly working on new and innovative ways to market his own books and audiobooks with his company and parent company, Stress Free Kids. Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth, Rick works closely with authors to create custom, robust book marketing programs. His easy-going manner provides “stress-free” support and comfort to authors going through the book marketing process for the first time. Rick is quick to share his knowledge and “insider tips” for a successful marketing campaign that will lead to increased exposure, awareness and most importantly, sales.
