How to choose the right BISAC codes for your book

What Are BISAC Categories?

BISAC stands for Book Industry Standards and Communications. Created by the Book Industry Study Group (BISG), BISAC codes are an industry‑standard system used to categorise books by subject or genre.

Each BISAC code is a nine‑character alphanumeric identifier that describes a book’s primary content. With thousands of codes available, BISAC helps libraries, retailers, and online bookstores correctly catalogue and position books for discovery.

Selecting the right BISAC categories ensures your book appears in the places where readers are already searching.

Why BISAC Codes Matter

Your book can only be accurately positioned if the correct BISAC codes are selected. These codes determine where your book appears in online stores, catalogues, and library systems — directly affecting visibility and sales.

Choosing the wrong category can cause your book to be hidden from its ideal audience, even if the content itself is strong.

How to Choose the Right BISAC Code

A BISAC code should describe your book accurately and concisely. Avoid selecting codes that apply only to a small number of chapters or peripheral themes.

If your book covers more than one subject area, you may choose multiple codes. Best practice is to select up to three BISAC categories, giving your book more than one opportunity to be discovered.

When choosing codes, look for those that reflect both the breadth and depth of your content.

What to Consider When Selecting BISAC Categories

Always think about how your readers identify themselves when searching for a book. For example, if your audience sees themselves as parents facing a challenge, a Parenting category may be more effective than a specialised psychology category.

The first BISAC code should always be the most specific and accurate option available. Specific categories tend to attract readers who are more likely to purchase.

You can broaden discoverability by selecting BISAC codes from different top‑level categories, but avoid using “General” codes unless you have already selected a more precise option within that category.

BISAC Consistency Across Formats

BISAC codes should remain consistent across all formats of the same book, including print, ebook, and audiobook editions. This consistency helps maintain accurate cataloguing across platforms.

The Power of Titles and Taglines

Book titles and taglines play a critical role in communicating genre, conflict, and expectations.

For example:

• “32 Girls. 1 Crown. The competition of a lifetime.”
  The Selection
  This tagline clearly establishes stakes and genre, helping readers instantly understand the story’s premise.
• “Winning will make you famous. Losing means certain death.”
  The Hunger Games
  A clear, high‑stakes premise that signals conflict and tension immediately.

Effective taglines provide clarity without giving away the entire story. They help the right readers find the right books.

Key Takeaway

BISAC categories are not about trend‑chasing — they are about clarity. Choosing accurate, specific, and well‑considered BISAC codes allows your book to be placed where it truly belongs, improving visibility and helping readers find exactly what they are looking for.