A9 Algorithm
Amazon's proprietary search ranking algorithm that determines which books appear in search results. Optimized by relevance (keywords, title, description) and performance (sales velocity, conversion rate, reviews).
The complete reference for Kindle Direct Publishing authors — from BSR to keywords to listing optimization.
50+ terms definedresults
Amazon's proprietary search ranking algorithm that determines which books appear in search results. Optimized by relevance (keywords, title, description) and performance (sales velocity, conversion rate, reviews).
A 10-character alphanumeric code uniquely identifying every product on Amazon. For KDP books, your ASIN is your book's permanent Amazon identifier used in URLs and competitor analysis.
Related tool: ASIN Analyzer →
Amazon's self-serve advertising platform, now part of Amazon Ads. Allows authors to run Sponsored Product, Sponsored Brand, and lockscreen ads targeting keywords or competing ASINs.
Related tool: Ads Analyzer →
A numeric ranking Amazon assigns to every book indicating its sales performance relative to others in the same category. Lower numbers mean higher sales. BSR updates hourly and varies by category.
Related tool: Rank Momentum →
A composite metric measuring how discoverable a KDP book is across Amazon search. Factors include keyword coverage, listing completeness, review count, and BSR trend.
The genre/subject classifications assigned to a KDP book. Authors can select up to 3 categories; strategic category selection can make it significantly easier to achieve bestseller status.
Related tool: Category Finder →
A book's Best Seller Rank within a specific Amazon category or subcategory. A book can rank in multiple categories simultaneously, each with its own BSR.
The percentage of Amazon page visitors who purchase the book. High conversion rates signal quality to the A9 algorithm and influence organic ranking.
The "book description" field on an Amazon listing — one of the most important on-page SEO elements. Supports basic HTML formatting. Keyword-rich descriptions improve search visibility.
Related tool: Listing Optimizer →
Amazon's self-publishing platform allowing authors to publish ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks/hardcovers directly on Amazon without a traditional publisher.
An optional exclusivity program where authors make their ebook available only through Amazon for 90-day enrollment periods. Offers access to Kindle Unlimited (KU) and promotional tools like Kindle Countdown Deals.
The process of identifying the search terms Amazon shoppers use to find books in your genre. Effective KDP keyword research uncovers high-traffic, low-competition phrases to include in your listing.
Related tool: Keyword Research →
Amazon's ebook subscription service. KDP Select authors earn royalties based on pages read (KENP rate) by KU subscribers.
The standardized page count Amazon uses to calculate Kindle Unlimited royalties. Higher KENP = more earnings per book read.
The practice of improving all elements of an Amazon book listing — title, subtitle, keywords, categories, description, and cover — to maximize search visibility and conversion rate.
Related tool: Listing Optimizer →
Specific, multi-word search phrases with lower search volume but higher purchase intent. Example: "cozy mystery series with cat" vs "mystery." Long-tail keywords are less competitive and often convert better.
Related tool: Keyword Research →
All structured data fields associated with a KDP book listing: title, subtitle, author name, series info, keywords (7 fields), categories, description, and language. Optimizing metadata is the foundation of KDP SEO.
Related tool: Listing Optimizer →
KDP's paperback and hardcover fulfillment model where books are printed individually when an order is placed. Eliminates inventory risk for self-published authors.
The percentage of each sale paid to the author. KDP ebooks offer 35% or 70% royalties depending on pricing and territory. Paperbacks offer 60% of list price minus printing costs.
Related tool: Revenue Estimator →
See BSR. Often used interchangeably with Best Seller Rank.
An Amazon page aggregating all books in a named series. Creating a series page improves cross-sell visibility and can boost individual book rankings.
Amazon's pay-per-click (PPC) advertising format for books. Ads appear in search results and on product pages, targeted by keywords or competing ASINs.
Related tool: Ads Analyzer →
The seven keyword fields in the KDP backend dashboard (up to 50 characters each). These are invisible to shoppers but directly influence which searches your book appears in. Strategic keyword selection is critical for discoverability.
Related tool: Keyword Gap Map →
PublishRank gives you the tools to act on every term in this glossary — keyword research, BSR tracking, listing optimization, and more.