Metadata is the information that describes your book to the retail systems that sell it: the title and subtitle, the author name, the series, the description, the keywords, the categories, the language, the audience, the price, the ISBN and the dates. It is what a store reads when a customer searches, what it uses to place the book on a shelf and what it shows on the product page. Two books of equal quality can sell very differently because one has metadata that matches how readers search and the other does not. Book metadata setup is the work of getting those fields right.
Book Metadata Setup · from $199
Book Metadata Setup that makes your book easy for the right readers to find
Book metadata setup sets up your title, subtitle, categories, BISAC codes, keywords and description for Amazon, IngramSpark and other retailers, so that the right readers find the book and the listing converts them. A specialist works through your book metadata setup job with you, checks each step against the platform's current instructions and confirms the result before you publish, all at a fixed price. Choose a package to see what book metadata setup costs for your own book.
View Pricing
Most metadata setup jobs are delivered in about 3 working days.
- Categories and BISAC codes
- Keywords and description
- All major retailers
Key facts
- $199Starting price for the metadata setup, fixed in advance
- 1 specialistOwns your metadata setup from start to finish
- 2 to 3 daysTypical turnaround for the first review of the metadata setup
Overview
What a metadata setup actually involves
The details differ by platform. On Amazon KDP you choose up to seven keyword phrases, a short list of categories and write a description with limited HTML formatting. On IngramSpark you assign BISAC subject codes, set the audience and write the description that goes to wholesalers and libraries. On Apple Books, Kobo and Draft2Digital the categories and keyword rules differ again. A good setup also keeps the data consistent across all of them, because mismatches between title, subtitle and author name on the cover, the listing and the ISBN record cause confusion and sometimes rejections.
Our metadata setup service researches your genre, studies the competing books, and writes and formats the data for each platform where you publish. We choose keywords that real readers use, pick categories where the book can rank, write a description that sells in the first lines and formats cleanly, choose BISAC codes for the trade and set the series, edition and audience details correctly. You receive a metadata sheet with every field, ready to paste or for us to enter, and a short explanation of each decision.
We start every metadata setup job with an audit. We open your file or manuscript, list what is already right, what is wrong and what needs a decision from you, and send that back before any work begins on this metadata setup project. The audit is why there are no surprises: you know the scope, the price and the schedule, and you know which of title and subtitle and description is likely to need the most care.
Our book categories and keywords setup chooses categories and keywords that match how readers search. We handle book description formatting for Amazon, BISAC codes setup for books and metadata setup for IngramSpark. Book metadata setup pricing is shown before you order.
Why it matters
Why a metadata setup matters
Metadata setup decides whether the work is accepted
Stores use metadata to decide where a book appears, so weak metadata costs visibility that no cover or formatting can recover. For authors preparing to publish who want accurate, effective metadata, the difference shows in how the finished metadata setup work behaves when it is opened, printed or uploaded, not in how it looks on the screen where it was made.
The details carry the quality
Categories and keywords differ between stores, and a choice that works on one may be unavailable on another. We check each of title and subtitle, description and categories and keywords individually, because a fault in one is easy to miss when the rest of the file looks right.
Doing it once, properly, saves time
Metadata should match across formats and stores, or the same book can appear under different names. Putting title and subtitle and description right once is cheaper than correcting them in every later edition.
Book metadata setup service
The information that stores use to show your book
Metadata is everything that a store knows about your book: title, subtitle, series, contributors, description, categories, keywords, language, age range and price. We review what you have, research how readers search in your genre and prepare a consistent set for every platform that you use.
KDP metadata optimization starts with the title and subtitle, then the choice of categories and keyword fields, and ends with a description that opens with a hook and uses clear formatting. We set up book categories and keywords for each store, and we format the book description for Amazon with the limited HTML that it accepts, such as bold, italics and lists.
BISAC codes are the subject codes used by retailers, libraries and distributors, and we choose them with care, since they drive discovery in IngramSpark and in bookstores. We set up metadata for IngramSpark and ebook metadata for retailers with the same core data, and we leave you a checklist so that later books are consistent.
- Research into how readers in your genre search
- Categories and BISAC codes chosen to fit
- A description with a hook and clean formatting
Choose the right route
The first decision in a metadata setup
Single-title metadata
One book's metadata prepared for each store. It suits authors with one title. We choose this route when the book leans on title and subtitle, and we show a sample before the whole metadata setup job proceeds.
Series metadata
A shared structure across a series. It suits authors with several books. We choose this route when description are central to how the book is used, and we explain the cost and schedule consequences before you commit.
Specification
What we check during your metadata setup
These are the decisions we make on every metadata setup job, and the reason for each one.
What we check
What we do
Why it matters
Title
Clear and searchable. We confirm the value with you before building, and record it in the specification for your metadata setup job.
Readers and stores understand it. Getting this right early avoids rework once the metadata setup pages have been proofed.
Description
Hook, promise and structure. We apply it through a defined style or setting, so it holds across the whole metadata setup file.
Converts browsers. For your metadata setup, readers and reviewers notice when it is wrong, even when they cannot say what is wrong.
Categories and keywords
Researched per store. We verify it again in the final proof, because it is easy to disturb during late edits with your metadata setup.
Better placement. For a metadata setup, platforms and printers check it automatically, and a failure delays the launch.
Consistency
Matched across formats. On this metadata setup job, where your platform sets a different rule, we follow the platform and tell you why.
One identity. It also keeps later editions of the metadata setup work consistent with the first.
Files
The finished metadata setup files, a written report and a short change log, named consistently and delivered with a short specification.
For a metadata setup, a clear package prevents mix-ups between versions and speeds up any later change. Getting this right early avoids rework once the metadata setup pages have been proofed.
Checks
Preflight or validation run on every deliverable, with the report supplied for the metadata setup. We apply it through a defined style or setting, so it holds across the whole metadata setup file.
For your metadata setup, evidence of a clean pass is what separates a checked file from a hopeful one. For your metadata setup, readers and reviewers notice when it is wrong, even when they cannot say what is wrong.
See what it costs
See the price of your metadata setup in a minute
Pick a package to see what book metadata setup costs for your own book, with the delivery estimate and extras shown before you decide.
Build my priceProcess
How a metadata setup job runs
Send
You send the files and tell us what you need from the metadata setup job, including where you plan to publish and any deadline. We confirm the scope and the price for the metadata setup. You are never left guessing what comes next, because we confirm each stage of the metadata setup job in writing.
Day 1
Audit
For a metadata setup, we examine the file, list what is correct and what must change, and send a short note with any decisions we need from you. If something unexpected turns up at this stage, we tell you at once and agree the fix before continuing in this metadata setup order.
Days 1 to 2
Plan
We agree the specification, including how we will treat title and subtitle and description, and confirm the schedule. This stage is where most questions arise, so we leave time for them in the schedule for the metadata setup.
Day 2
Build
We carry out the work, applying defined styles and settings, and fixing faults at their source rather than covering them for the metadata setup. You are never left guessing what comes next, because we confirm each stage of the metadata setup job in writing.
Days 3 to 7
Check
We validate, preview and review the result against the specification, and compare the text with your manuscript for the metadata setup. If something unexpected turns up at this stage, we tell you at once and agree the fix before continuing in this metadata setup order.
Days 8 to 9
Deliver
You receive the files, the specification and the change log, with support if a platform queries the file with your metadata setup. This stage is where most questions arise, so we leave time for them in the schedule for the metadata setup.
Day 10
Before and after
A publishing job before and after help
For your metadata setup, the same book, first as an unfinished or failed job and then as a finished one. On this metadata setup job, the manuscript is the same, and only the second is live.
123Before
- 1A wrong category and no keywords
- 2A description that is one grey block
- 3Different titles on each store
123After
- 1Categories and keywords that fit
- 2A hook and clean formatting
- 3Matching data on every store
- 3problems found in the first review
- 3fixes checked in the final review
- 1named specialist owning every fix
- Fixedprice confirmed in the calculator before you order
Better discovery
The right readers find the book.
A selling description
The listing converts.
Consistency
Every store tells the same story.
Pricing calculator
Build your metadata setup price
Metadata is what makes a book findable: the title, subtitle, keywords, categories and description that stores and search engines read. Tell us how many books need metadata, how many stores are involved and how complete your information is, and the fixed price builds below.
Beyond our online packages? Let us quote it properly.
A catalogue of more than six titles or a multi-language record is priced individually so nothing is missed. Send us your metadata setup list and a specialist replies with a fixed price and delivery date.
The price covers the metadata work described. Advertising spend, ISBN purchase and cover or interior changes are not included.
Price guide
Book Metadata Setup cost at a glance
The table shows the cost of book metadata setup for each package, with the base price, delivery time and the kind of job that fits. The calculator adds extras to your metadata setup for an exact total.
Package
Base price
Standard delivery
Typical book
Review
$199
2-3 working days
Review
Setup
$409
3-5 working days
Setup
Launch
$739
5-8 working days
Launch
A larger or ongoing publishing project
Custom quote
Agreed with your quote
A larger or ongoing publishing project
Comparison
Book Metadata Setup compared with the alternatives
What you compare
A quick metadata setup fix
Professional metadata setup
Approach
A quick fix treats symptoms and leaves the cause in the file for the metadata setup. That approach saves effort at the start and tends to cost more in repairs once the metadata setup job is live.
A professional metadata setup job finds and corrects the cause. We do this as standard on every metadata setup job, and the evidence comes with your files.
Consistency
Manual changes vary from page to page with your metadata setup. On this metadata setup job, it leaves the cause in place, so the same fault tends to return when the text changes.
Defined styles apply identically everywhere. For a metadata setup, it is built to be repeated, so later editions cost less and match the first.
Validation
With your metadata setup, success is judged by eye on one screen. With your metadata setup, it is hard to check, so faults are usually found by readers instead of by the author.
Success is judged by the platform's own checks and real devices with your metadata setup. It is checked by a person and by software before it reaches you, so problems are found early for the metadata setup.
Documentation
For your metadata setup, nothing is recorded, so the next edition starts again. That approach saves effort at the start and tends to cost more in repairs once the metadata setup job is live.
On this metadata setup job, a specification and change log are supplied. We do this as standard on every metadata setup job, and the evidence comes with your files.
Risk
For a metadata setup, a rejected upload costs days and may delay a launch. On this metadata setup job, it leaves the cause in place, so the same fault tends to return when the text changes.
For your metadata setup, files are tested before they reach you, and fixes are covered by the guarantee.
Cost
Cheap at first, then repeated whenever something changes on this metadata setup project. With your metadata setup, it is hard to check, so faults are usually found by readers instead of by the author.
A fixed price and a reusable result with your metadata setup. It is checked by a person and by software before it reaches you, so problems are found early for the metadata setup.
Portfolio
Book Metadata Setup portfolio
Finished examples of Book Metadata Setup work from our portfolio, each one built for a real book.
Paperback Record
A finished Paperback Record example from our Book Metadata Setup work.
eBook Record
A finished eBook Record example from our Book Metadata Setup work.
Multi Format Record
A finished Multi Format Record example from our Book Metadata Setup work.
Children's Metadata
A finished Children's Metadata example from our Book Metadata Setup work.
Nonfiction Metadata
A finished Nonfiction Metadata example from our Book Metadata Setup work.
Publishing Record
A finished Publishing Record example from our Book Metadata Setup work.
Our standard
The standard we hold every metadata setup to
Fix causes, not symptoms
Our metadata setup work corrects the underlying structure, so the same problem does not return when the text changes. It is a standard we hold on every metadata setup job, whatever the price of the package or the length of the book.
Evidence over assurance
We supply the validation or preflight report with your files, so a clean result is something you can see on this metadata setup project. You can check it for yourself, because the evidence comes with your files on this metadata setup project. On this metadata setup job, holding to it costs us time, and it saves you the cost of repairs later.
Plain communication
We explain what we found and what we did in plain language, and we tell you honestly when something is outside what the file can support for the metadata setup. On this metadata setup job, holding to it costs us time, and it saves you the cost of repairs later.
Checklist
The pre-delivery checklist for a metadata setup
Every item below is verified on your metadata setup before it leaves our desk.
- Audit completed and agreed with you
- Title and subtitle checked and corrected
- Description checked and corrected
- Categories and keywords checked and corrected
- Series and edition data checked and corrected
- Validation or preflight run with the report supplied
- Previewer and device checks completed
- Text compared with the approved manuscript
- Specification and change log delivered
How we work
How we approach a metadata setup
Structure first
In metadata setup, title and subtitle and description are built into the file, not painted on top. We treat structure as the foundation and appearance as the finish, because structure is what survives edits and platform changes with your metadata setup.
Checked, not hoped
For a metadata setup, a file is not finished because it looks right on our screen. It is finished when the validator, the preflight and real devices agree, and when we can show you the evidence with your metadata setup. It is the principle behind most of what we do on metadata setup, and the reason we prefer to explain our choices rather than hide them.
Your files stay yours
We deliver source files and a specification, and we never lock your metadata setup work inside a proprietary format. If you hire someone else later, they can pick up where we stopped on this metadata setup project. It is the principle behind most of what we do on metadata setup, and the reason we prefer to explain our choices rather than hide them.
Client reviews
What authors say about our book metadata setup
Verified reviews from authors who used our book metadata setup service.
My YA novel needed to reach both English-language and Japanese readers. The multi-region distribution setup was handled correctly across all required platforms. International sales have exceeded my expectations.
Good publishing support overall. The KDP metadata setup was thorough. One category selection needed updating after initial launch but it was corrected promptly. The book is performing well in its target categories.
Getting historical fiction placed in the right categories on Amazon and IngramSpark required strategic metadata. The team understood the genre classification and the book reached the right readers from the first week.
My cookbook needed to be set up across multiple platforms simultaneously. The publishing support team handled every submission — KDP, IngramSpark, and Apple Books — with different requirements for each. Flawlessly executed.
Navigating IngramSpark's requirements for the first time felt overwhelming. The upload assistance handled everything — metadata, pricing setup, distribution channels. My children's book reached bookstores within two weeks.
The formatting error fix service saved my launch. My original formatter had made margin errors causing repeated rejection. Book Formatting Experts identified and fixed every issue within 48 hours. My launch was back on schedule.
Good support throughout the KDP upload process. The metadata setup and category selection were explained clearly. One pricing setting needed adjustment after initial setup but it was corrected quickly.
My KDP file was rejected with a technical error message I could not understand. Book Formatting Experts diagnosed the problem immediately — a bleed issue on three pages — and corrected it the same day. Approved first time.
The publishing readiness review identified four issues in my manuscript that would have caused rejection. Each was clearly explained and quickly resolved. My book launched without any technical complications.
As a first-time author, the technical side of self-publishing was genuinely daunting. The consultation covered every decision — platform choice, pricing strategy, metadata, and distribution. I launched with genuine confidence.
The website feels faith-centred without being off-putting to first-time visitors. The devotional resource section, speaking ministry page, and book store all reflect the purpose of my work clearly and respectfully.
My author website for children's books needed to be welcoming for both parents and young readers. The colourful, engaging design works perfectly for both audiences. My school visits enquiries have also increased.
The website reflects the quality of my coaching work and the seriousness of my brand. The blog setup is easy to manage and the book landing page converts well. I am proud to share it with everyone I meet.
The newsletter integration and reader magnet landing page were set up exactly right from day one. My opt-in rate from organic website visitors is consistently above 15%. The design and the copy flow work together seamlessly.
My speaking and consulting enquiries increased noticeably after the website launched. The professional design and clear service pages communicate exactly what I offer. A worthwhile investment in my author business.
The website positions me as an authority in my field without feeling stiff or corporate. The testimonials section, media page, and book overview all build credibility effectively. Exactly what a nonfiction author needs.
My author website now functions as a complete lead generation platform. The speaking page, media kit, and book sales funnel all work together seamlessly. I have received four speaking enquiries in the first month.
Good website design that captures the right atmosphere for my genre. The book pages and series navigation work well. One imagery choice in the hero section was updated after my feedback. Final result is exactly right.
FAQ
Book Metadata Setup: questions answered
These are the questions authors ask most about book metadata setup, including steps, errors and cost. If your question about the metadata setup is missing, request a quote and a specialist will reply.
What is book metadata setup?
It is the preparation of the data that describes your book to retailers, including keywords, categories, description and series data. For metadata setup, we check the result against the platform's own rules before you see it.
What does a book metadata setup service include?
Keyword research, category and BISAC selection, description writing and formatting, and a metadata sheet. With your metadata setup, we keep a record of what we changed so that you can review the work.
What is KDP metadata optimization?
It is the choice of keywords, categories and description that help your book appear in Amazon searches. With your metadata setup, the calculator on this page shows the fixed price for each package before you commit.
How do I choose book categories and keywords?
Study how readers search and where comparable books rank, then pick the best fit. If you are unsure, send the file and we will tell you what the job involves for the metadata setup.
How do I format a book description for Amazon?
Use short paragraphs and the limited HTML that KDP allows, such as bold and line breaks. Revision rounds are included, so the first delivery does not have to be perfect in this metadata setup order.
What are BISAC codes?
They are subject codes used by the book trade to classify books. For metadata setup, we check the result against the platform's own rules before you see it.
How do I set up metadata for IngramSpark?
Choose up to three BISAC codes, set the audience and write the description. With your metadata setup, we keep a record of what we changed so that you can review the work.
What is a book metadata checklist?
A list of fields to complete and check before publication. With your metadata setup, the calculator on this page shows the fixed price for each package before you commit.
What is ebook metadata for retailers?
It is the title, description, categories and keywords supplied for each store. If you are unsure, send the file and we will tell you what the job involves for the metadata setup.
How much does metadata setup cost?
For a metadata setup, the calculator on this page shows a fixed price for each package. Revision rounds are included, so the first delivery does not have to be perfect in this metadata setup order.
Can you enter the data for me?
Yes, through your accounts. For metadata setup, we check the result against the platform's own rules before you see it.
How long does it take?
Most setups take about five days with your metadata setup. With your metadata setup, we keep a record of what we changed so that you can review the work.
What is a book metadata setup service?
It is preparing the title, description, categories, keywords and series data that stores use to list your book. With your metadata setup, the calculator on this page shows the fixed price for each package before you commit.
Can you optimise KDP metadata?
Yes, including categories and keywords. If you are unsure, send the file and we will tell you what the job involves for the metadata setup.
How do I set up categories and keywords for a book?
Research comparable titles and choose per store. We do this. Revision rounds are included, so the first delivery does not have to be perfect in this metadata setup order.
How much does book metadata setup cost?
The book metadata setup cost starts at $199 for a review and rises to $739 for a complete launch package. Book metadata setup services and book metadata setup cost depend on the platform and the amount of work, and the calculator shows the total.
How long does book metadata setup take to finish?
Most metadata setup jobs are delivered in about 3 working days. With your metadata setup, priority options shorten the schedule, and the calculator shows an estimate.
Isn't this just filling in the boxes on upload?
That is exactly what we are here to replace. Filling the boxes in five minutes on upload day, with whatever terms come to mind, is why most books are invisible in search. Real metadata is researched against how readers actually search and how the store's categories work, then written to match. It is discoverability work, not data entry.
How is the price worked out?
By how many titles you need done, from a single book to a full catalogue, chosen in the calculator. Whether the book is fiction, nonfiction or a series, how much of the listing you want built, the research depth, and any existing listings to audit each adjust the figure, shown live.
Can you rewrite my book description?
Yes, and it is one of the highest-impact things we do. We rewrite the blurb to be found and to convert: the right searchable terms woven in, and a hook, a promise and a clear reason to buy, so a reader who lands on the page clicks rather than moving on. You can order the blurb alone or as part of a full listing.
What if my sales don't improve straight away?
Discoverability builds as the store gathers data on your listing, so give it a few weeks. If it is still underperforming, the post-launch refresh reviews your real ranking data and adjusts keywords and categories accordingly. Two revision rounds are included for wording and positioning changes in the meantime.
Can you write my author bio?
Yes. The author bio add-on gives you a professionally written bio built to build trust and carry the genre terms that associate you with your category, in the length the store's field allows, so a reader choosing between two books has a reason to pick yours.
How do I get started?
Choose how many titles you need and your options in the calculator and you will see the exact price and delivery window before you commit. If your catalogue does not fit a package, request a custom quote and tell us how many titles and stores are involved.
Ready when you are
Ready to start your metadata setup?
A well-built listing is the quietest salesperson that a book can have. See your price in a minute, or send the book details and we will confirm the scope.
- Fixed price shown before you pay
- Revision rounds included
- One named specialist, brief to upload