Understanding BISAC Subject Headings

A Quick Guide to Classifying Your Book for Better Visibility, Sales, and Shelf Placement

If you're publishing a book—whether independently or through a traditional press—one of the most important metadata decisions you'll make is choosing the right BISAC Subject Heading. Short for Book Industry Standards and Communications, BISAC codes are the standardized categories used across the publishing industry to classify books by subject, genre, and audience. Far more than just a label, the BISAC code you choose can directly influence your book's discoverability, placement in online stores, and how it's marketed to readers. In this tutorial, we’ll break down what BISAC headings are, why they matter, and how to select the ones that will give your book its best shot at success.