Nobody wants to talk about metadata. I know I don’t. I want to talk about the last book I read (Exiles by Mason Coile). But it’s important so we’re going to talk about it.
For those that don’t know, metadata is backend stuff like keywords and categories the helps the algorithms figure out who sees your book. It’s the who, what, where, when, and why of your book. So yeah, it’s kinda a big deal.
Every retailer (Google, Amazon, etc.) relies on metadata to decide where a book appears. Categories determine placement. Keywords shape search visibility. Descriptions influence conversion once a reader lands on the page. But of course, none of these elements remain stable forever because the conversation is always changing.
A category that felt specific a year ago can become crowded. There are tools that can help you find low saturated categories and keywords, but everyone is using the same tools, so a keyword helping you make sales one month can suddenly be too overcrowded the next. A keyword that once aligned with reader searches can lose relevance. Writers who revisit metadata regularly are the ones that know what’s up. They make incremental adjustments and watch how those changes affect visibility and sales patterns over time.
And yeah, this is all part of the boring side of running a creative business. Unless you like this kinda of thing— then lucky you!
For most of us, looking at this data every week is just not going to happen. One practical approach is to track a small set of changes over a designated amount of time, like stopping in one day every three months or so. Adjust the categories, then wait long enough to see whether the book settles into a more favorable position. Refine keywords based on how comparable titles are positioned. Study the language used in reader reviews and incorporate that language into your description because it reflects how readers are interpreting the book.(If you are trad publishing, you won’t be changing the description, but you can change your language on social media).
If you leave it and forget it, there is a good chance you will see a drop in sales. If you just pick “science fiction” as your only keyword, then it is going to have a hell of a time breaking in. Metadata is an ongoing process. Pay attention to your audience feedback. Niche language when you can. Make it part of your routine to check on your metadata.
If you are working on a book...
I don’t offer discounts on developmental editing very often—but I’m making an exception this summer.
If you’ve been considering working with me but the full investment hasn’t felt doable, this is for you. For the month of July, I’m opening 7 spots for a full developmental edit at a flat rate of $500.
Here’s exactly how it works:
· For manuscripts up to 90,000 words
· Full developmental edit (no reduced service—this is the same depth and care I always provide)
· Must be purchased by July 31
· Can be redeemed anytime within the next 12 months
This is the same kind of rate I offer to the loyal readers of The Private Drafts, my paid newsletter, all the time—but for July, I’m opening a small number of these spots to everyone.
Once the 7 spots are claimed, that’s it.
If you’re struggling with a draft that you know could be stronger, this is a chance to get direction at a significantly lower investment.
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