In this article, you will read about:
Why Book Keywords Matter on Amazon
How We Identified the Top Amazon Keywords
Offering Keyword Research Service
How to Brainstorm Fiction Keywords That Shoppers Actually Use
How to Brainstorm Nonfiction Keywords That Shoppers Actually Use
Why Niches Are So Important for Fiction and Nonfiction Keywords
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Profitable Keywords for Fiction and Nonfiction Books
Keyword Strategy & Amazon’s Rules for 2025
Top Book Keywords for 2025
Emerging Trends in Popular Fiction Genres
How to Find Profitable Keywords for Your Book
Optimizing Your Book’s Metadata for Success
Using Data-Driven Insights to Stay Ahead
Conclusion: Ready to Boost Your Book Sales? Amazon book keywords, best Amazon keywords for books, book metadata optimization, Amazon book marketing, Publisher Rocket keyword research, profitable book keywords, fiction keyword research, nonfiction keyword research, self-publishing success, Kindle book SEO, high-traffic book keywords, low-competition book keywords, book sales optimization, Amazon book ranking, 2025 book market trends, emerging book genres, niche book marketing, indie author SEO, best keywords for self-published books, book discoverability tips.
Are you an author struggling to get your book noticed on Amazon? With millions of books competing for attention, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. But what if you could unlock the secrets to making your book stand out?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the most searched Amazon keywords and emerging trends for 2025, giving you actionable insights to optimize your book’s metadata, reach your target audience, and skyrocket your sales. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the ever-changing world of Amazon book marketing.
Why Book Keywords Matter on Amazon
When readers search for their next book on Amazon, they use specific keywords and phrases to find what they’re looking for. By incorporating these keywords into your book’s title, subtitle, description, and metadata, you increase your chances of appearing in relevant search results and catching potential readers’ attention.
But with so many books vying for visibility, how do you identify the most effective keywords for your book? That’s where data-driven insights come in.
How We Identified the Top Amazon Keywords
When it comes to finding the most effective keywords for your book, Publisher Rocket’s Keyword Research tool is a game-changer. This powerful tool allows authors to dive deep into Amazon’s search data, uncovering high-traffic, low-competition keywords that can significantly boost your book’s visibility and sales.
Publisher Rocket’s Keyword Search tool allows you to work with a phrase related to your book and instantly see a list of related keywords that shoppers are typing into Amazon.
Here’s how the tool works:
Enter a keyword or phrase relevant to your book.
Publisher Rocket generates a list of related keywords, along with:
Average Pages – Number of pages in top-ranking books.
Number of Competitors – How many books rank for that keyword.
Average Price – Pricing trends for books using this keyword.
Average Monthly Earnings – How much revenue books with this keyword generate.
Estimated Amazon Searches per Month – Search volume for the keyword.
Competitive Score – A ranking (1-100) indicating how hard it is to compete for this keyword.
Understanding the Color-Coded Keyword System
Publisher Rocket categorizes keyword competitiveness using three colors:
✅Green – High search volume, low competition, and strong sales potential.
🟡 Yellow – Moderate search volume and competition.
🔴 Red – Low search volume or high competition.
Pro Tip: Look for green keywords in the "Estimated Amazon Searches per Month" and "Competitive Score" columns, as these indicate high potential for book sales with less competition.
Another powerful feature is the Average Monthly Earnings display, which shows the earnings of top-selling books using each keyword. This saves you time and effort by instantly revealing which keywords are not just popular but also profitable.
Offering Keyword Research Service
If you're not ready to purchase Publisher Rocket but still want to benefit from data-driven keyword research, I offer a service where I conduct in-depth keyword analysis for you!
For just $5 on Fiverr, I will use the Publisher Rocket Keyword Research tool to conduct in-depth research based on the seed keywords you provide. You’ll receive a detailed report generated by Publisher Rocket with optimized keywords to enhance your book’s visibility on Amazon, helping you rank higher and attract more readers—without needing to invest in software upfront.
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How to Brainstorm Fiction Keywords That Shoppers Actually Use
Let start to understand the four key categories of fiction keywords that will help you create niche, high-performing phrases:
Time Period and Settings: Think about when and where your story takes place. Examples include:
Victorian era
Wild West
Modern-day New York
Near-future dystopia
These keywords help readers visualize the world of your story and set expectations for the setting.
Character Types or Roles: Your characters are the heart of your story, and readers often search for books based on the types of characters they love. Examples include:
Alpha male
Zombie survivalist
Wizard or mage
Single mother
These keywords help shoppers find stories with characters they can connect with or are intrigued by.
Plot Themes or Special Events: What drives your story? Is it a historical event, a life-changing moment, or a catastrophic disaster? Examples include:
World War II
Plane crash survival
Monster apocalypse
Second chance romance
These keywords tap into the emotional or action-packed moments that readers are searching for.
Style and Tone of Your Genre: How would you describe the mood or style of your book? Examples include:
Dark fantasy
Space opera
Sweet romance
Cozy mystery
These keywords help readers find books that match the tone they’re in the mood for.
By brainstorming keywords in these four categories, you’ll create a robust list of phrases that shoppers are actually searching for. Once you have your list, you can use Publisher Rocket to analyze which keywords have the highest search volume, lowest competition, and best sales potential.
How to Brainstorm Nonfiction Keywords That Shoppers Actually Use
While fiction keywords focus on settings, characters, and plot themes, nonfiction keywords are all about solving problems. Readers searching for nonfiction books are looking for solutions to specific issues, and your keywords should reflect that.
Here are the four key categories of nonfiction keywords that will help you create niche, high-performing phrases:
Pain Points: Think about the problems your target audience is facing. Examples include:
Weight loss
Time management
Financial stress
Anxiety
These keywords help you target the specific issues that motivate readers to search for solutions.
Desired Results: What solutions are readers looking for? Examples include:
How to lose weight fast
Budgeting tips
Stress relief techniques
Productivity hacks
These keywords tap into the solutions readers are actively searching for.
Emotional Amplifiers: These are words that add urgency or specificity to your keywords. Examples include:
Quick
Easy
Proven
Ultimate
These amplifiers make your keywords more compelling and increase their appeal to readers.
Demographics: Who is your target audience? Examples include:
For women
For college students
For seniors
For beginners
These keywords help you niche down and target specific groups of readers.
By brainstorming keywords in these four categories, you’ll create a robust list of phrases that shoppers are actually searching for. Once you have your list, you can use Publisher Rocket to analyze which keywords have the highest search volume, lowest competition, and best sales potential.
Why Niches Are So Important for Fiction and Nonfiction Keywords
When it comes to keywords, niching down is the key to success—whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction. Here’s why:
1. Less Competition
Niche keywords have fewer competitors, making it easier for your book to rank.
Fiction Example: “Science Fiction” has 137,244 competitors, while “Space Marine bug hunt” has only 8.
Nonfiction Example: “Weight Loss” has 137,244 competitors, while “Quick Weight Loss for Women Over 40” has only 8.
By targeting niche keywords, you’ll face less competition and have a better chance of ranking high in Amazon’s search results.
2. Higher Conversion
Shoppers who search for niche terms are more likely to buy because they’re looking for something specific.
Fiction Example: Readers searching for “Victorian Second Chance Romance” know exactly what they want.
Nonfiction Example: Readers searching for “Budgeting Tips for College Students” are looking for a specific solution to their problem.
These readers are more likely to purchase your book because it directly addresses their needs or interests.
3. Better Rankings
The more specific your keyword, the easier it is to rank #1. And ranking #1 can bring 2.7x more clicks than ranking #6.
By targeting niche keywords, you’ll not only increase your book’s visibility but also attract readers who are more likely to buy and leave positive reviews.
Why This Works for Both Genres:
Fiction: Readers often search for specific settings, characters, or plot themes (e.g., “post-apocalyptic zombie survival”).
Nonfiction: Readers search for solutions to specific problems (e.g., “how to lose weight fast for women over 40”).
By niching down, you’ll stand out in a crowded market and connect with readers who are actively searching for books like yours.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Profitable Keywords for Fiction and Nonfiction Books
Finding the right keywords for your book doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, follow these steps to uncover high-performing keywords that will help your book stand out:
Step 1: Brainstorm the Four Types of Keyword Categories
For Fiction Authors: Start by brainstorming keywords in these four categories:
Time Period and Settings: Think about the era and location of your story (e.g., Victorian London, post-apocalyptic wasteland).
Character Types or Roles: Consider the roles your characters play (e.g., alpha male, zombie hunter, mage).
Plot Themes or Special Events: Identify the key events or themes in your story (e.g., World War II, plane crash survival).
Style and Tone of Your Genre: Describe the mood or style of your book (e.g., dark fantasy, sweet romance).
For Nonfiction Authors: Start by brainstorming keywords in these four categories:
Pain Points: Identify the problems your target audience is facing (e.g., weight loss, financial stress).
Desired Results: Think about the solutions readers are searching for (e.g., how to lose weight fast, budgeting tips).
Emotional Amplifiers: Add urgency or specificity to your keywords (e.g., quick, easy, proven).
Demographics: Consider who your target audience is (e.g., for women, for beginners).
Step 2: Combine Keywords to Create Niche Phrases
Once you have your list, start combining keywords to create niche phrases that shoppers are actually searching for.
For Fiction Authors:
Instead of “romance,” try “Victorian second chance romance.”
Instead of “fantasy,” try “dark fantasy with dragons.”
For Nonfiction Authors:
Instead of “weight loss,” try “quick weight loss for women over 40.”
Instead of “budgeting,” try “easy budgeting tips for college students.”
These niche phrases are less competitive and more likely to attract readers who are specifically looking for your type of book.
Step 3: Use Publisher Rocket to Analyze Keywords
Now it’s time to analyze your keywords using Publisher Rocket. Here’s what you’ll get:
Search Volume: How many shoppers are searching for this keyword each month.
Competition Level: How many books are already ranking for this keyword.
Average Monthly Earnings: How much money the top-ranking books are making from this keyword.
Competitive Score: A score from 1 to 100 that tells you how difficult it will be to rank for this keyword.
Look for keywords with high search volume, low competition, and a green competitive score—these are your golden opportunities.
Keyword Strategy & Amazon’s Rules for 2025
Why and When to Change Your Keywords
Did you know that you can change your book’s keywords at any time? In fact, Amazon updates keyword changes within 24 hours, meaning that the right keyword strategy can revive a book that isn’t generating consistent sales.
However, changing keywords should be done strategically. Here’s when you should consider updating your keywords:
When to Change Your Keywords
If Your Book Isn’t Selling – If you haven’t made any sales or Kindle Unlimited (KU) page reads, your keywords may not be relevant or competitive enough.
If Your Book Is Underperforming – Even if your book is selling, some keywords might not be driving enough traffic. Optimizing them can boost visibility and sales.🔹 Example: If most of your sales come from only 1 or 2 keyword slots, you may need to optimize the remaining ones.
If You Want to Test New Keywords – Regularly testing new keywords can uncover hidden opportunities and help you rank for better-performing phrases.🔹 Example: Use Publisher Rocket to find high-traffic, low-competition keywords and update them in your metadata.
How Amazon Uses Your Keywords
When you enter 7 Kindle keyword phrases in KDP, Amazon’s system does the following:
🔹 Combines and pluralizes your keywords, allowing your book to be indexed for multiple variations.
🔹 Tests your book’s performance for each keyword. If your book converts well, Amazon will rank it higher and even index it for more related search terms.
🔹 Demotes poor-performing keywords, eventually removing them from Amazon’s search results.
Understanding how Amazon evaluates keywords can help you refine your strategy for better rankings.
Step-by-Step Strategy for Changing Keywords
Follow this cautious approach to updating your book’s keywords without hurting your sales:
✅ Step 1: Change Two Keywords at a Time – Avoid updating all 7 keywords at once. Start with two and monitor their impact.
✅ Step 2: Keep a Record of Your Original Keywords – Save your old keywords in case you need to revert back.
✅ Step 3: Wait 5-7 Days – Give Amazon time to reindex your book and evaluate the new keywords.
✅ Step 4: Analyze the Results:
🔹 If sales increase, keep the new keywords and test another pair.
🔹 If sales decrease, revert to the original keywords and try different ones.
✅ Step 5: Check Your Categories – Changing keywords can affect your book’s category rankings. Use Publisher Rocket to ensure you’re still targeting the best categories.
Amazon’s Updated Keyword Rules for 2025
Amazon has updated its keyword guidelines, and understanding these changes is crucial to optimizing your book’s metadata.
New Rules for 2025
❌ Avoid Redundant Keywords: Don’t repeat keywords that are already in your book’s category string. Example: If your category is "Literature & Fiction > Action & Adventure > Classics", avoid using "Action & Adventure" or "Classics" as keywords.
❌ No Brand Names You Don’t Own: Do not use copyrighted names such as “Kindle Unlimited” or “KDP Select” unless you have official permission.
❌No HTML or Formatting in Keywords: Amazon no longer allows HTML code formatting in keyword entries.
Old Rules Still in Effect
✔ Avoid Subjective Claims – Do not use phrases like “best novel ever” or “award-winning” unless verified.
✔ No Time-Sensitive Statements – Avoid terms like “new,” “on sale,” or “available now” in your keywords.
✔ No Common Category Words – Do not waste keyword slots with generic terms like “book” or “audiobook.”
✔ No Spelling Errors or Variants – Amazon automatically accounts for plurals, typos, and spacing variations, so avoid redundancy.
✔ No Misleading Information – Never use author names, book titles, or unrelated popular search terms that do not apply to your book.
How to Change Your Keywords
Updating your keywords is simple:
1️⃣ Log in to Your KDP Dashboard – Go to the Bookshelf tab.
2️⃣ Edit Your eBook Details – Click the three dots next to your book and select “Edit eBook details.”
3️⃣ Update Your Keywords – Scroll to the 7 keyword boxes and enter your new keywords.
4️⃣ Save and Publish – Click “Save and Continue” and then “Publish” to apply the changes.
Pro Tip: Use Publisher Rocket’s Category Keyword feature to find high-performing keywords that align with your book’s categories.
Top Book Keywords for 2025
Fiction Genres
Action & Adventure: Post-apocalyptic, EMP survival thriller, archaeological thriller, pirates.
Crime Fiction: FBI mystery thrillers, smart female detective, organized crime.
Fantasy: LitRPG, shifter romance dragon, academy fantasy, isekai slice of life.
Romance: Hockey romance, Scottish romance, paranormal romance reverse, mafia romance.
Science Fiction: Space opera, dystopian romance young adult, cyberpunk isekai.
Nonfiction Categories
Biographies & Memoirs: True crime, Elon Musk biography, Oppenheimer.
Business & Money: ChatGPT, crypto, how to make money, stock market.
Cookbooks, Food & Wine: Mediterranean diet recipes, air fryer recipes for beginners, keto for beginners.
Health, Fitness & Dieting: Mental health books, trauma, adult ADHD, keto for beginners.
Emerging Trends in Popular Fiction Genres
Action & Adventure
Post-apocalyptic and EMP survival thrillers are dominating the genre, with readers craving stories of resilience and survival in dystopian worlds.
Pirate adventures and archaeological thrillers are also gaining traction, offering readers a mix of history and high-stakes action.
Romance
Hockey romance and mafia romance are hot trends, with readers drawn to the tension and drama of these subgenres.
Paranormal romance reverse (where the human is the supernatural being) is a fresh twist that’s capturing readers’ attention.
Science Fiction
Space opera and dystopian romance young adult are leading the charge, with readers loving epic space battles and futuristic love stories.
Cyberpunk isekai (a blend of cyberpunk and alternate world themes) is an emerging trend that’s gaining popularity.
How to Find Profitable Keywords for Your Book
Step 1: Use Amazon’s Search Bar
Start by typing a word related to your book’s genre into Amazon’s search bar. Amazon will auto-populate popular search phrases, giving you a list of potential keywords.
Step 2: Analyze Competitor Books
Search for your chosen keywords and analyze the top 3 books that appear. Use tools like Publisher Rocket to check their Amazon Best Seller Rank (ABSR) and estimate their daily sales.
Step 3: Check Competition Levels
Look at the book covers, titles, reviews, and descriptions of the top-ranking books. If the competition is too fierce, consider niching down to less competitive keywords.
Optimizing Your Book’s Metadata for Success
Once you’ve identified your target keywords, it’s time to optimize your book’s metadata. Here’s how:
Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Add your keywords to your book’s title, subtitle, and description. Avoid keyword stuffing—Amazon’s algorithm penalizes this.
Choose the Right Categories: Select the most relevant and specific categories for your book. Less competitive niches give you a better chance of ranking high.
Craft a Compelling Description: Write a book description that hooks readers and includes your target keywords. Highlight popular tropes and subgenres to attract your audience.
Invest in a Professional Cover: Your book cover should be eye-catching, genre-appropriate, and in line with current design trends.
Regularly Update Your Keywords: Use the step-by-step strategy outlined above to test and refine your keywords over time.
Follow Amazon’s Keyword Rules.
Using Data-Driven Insights to Stay Ahead
Tools like Publisher Rocket can save you time and effort by providing real-time data on search volume, competition levels, and sales performance. With features like Reverse ASIN lookup, you can see which keywords your competitors are ranking for and use them to your advantage. Read more in article: "Boost Your Amazon Book Rankings with Publisher Rocket's Reverse ASIN Lookup".
Ready to Boost Your Book Sales?
Don’t leave your book’s success to chance. Use the insights and strategies outlined in this guide to optimize your book’s metadata, tap into emerging trends, and reach your target audience.
And if you want to take your book marketing to the next level, consider using Publisher Rocket to find profitable keywords, analyze competition, and maximize your book’s visibility on Amazon.
Your success story is waiting to be written—start optimizing today!
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