Amazon Book Listings That Sell

Most people who find your graphic novel on Amazon decide in a few seconds, using four things: the cover thumbnail, the title, the price, and the first lines of the description. Here's how to make each part of your listing work harder.

The cover, at thumbnail size

Your cover is mostly seen as a small image in search results. Look at it at that size. Is the title readable? Is it clear it's a graphic novel? Is there one strong image rather than lots of small details? Look at the best-selling graphic novels in your category and make sure yours belongs next to them.

Title and subtitle

The title is the book's name. The subtitle is your chance to say what it is and who it's for, in words shoppers actually search:

Persuasion: A Full-Color Graphic Novel Adaptation of the Jane Austen Classic

Be accurate — Amazon removes listings that stuff unrelated keywords into titles.

The description

• Open with the hook. The first two lines show before "Read more." Lead with the story and why it's special, not with publishing details.
• Say what's inside. Full color? Page count? Age range? Faithful to the original or modernized?
• Keep it scannable. Short paragraphs; a few bullet points if it helps.

Keywords

KDP gives you seven keyword boxes. Use them for phrases readers type that aren't already in your title: "graphic novel for kids," "classic literature comic," "Regency romance manga." Don't repeat words already in your title or category, and don't use other authors' names or trademarks.

Categories

You choose up to three categories when you publish. Pick specific ones where your book can stand out — a narrow sub-category under Comics & Graphic Novels (or under the children's or teen sections, for younger readers) is often better than a broad one. Check what similar successful books are listed under.

Age range

For children's and young-adult books, set the age and grade range. It helps parents and teachers filter, and it keeps your book in front of the right readers.

A+ Content and your author page

A+ Content lets you add images and comparison charts below the description — ideal for showing sample panels. Amazon Author Central lets you build an author page with your bio and all your books in one place. Both are free.

Look Inside

Let shoppers preview the first pages. For a graphic novel the art sells the book, so make sure the opening pages are strong — begin with a striking page rather than a credits page.

Reviews

Reviews build trust, but Amazon has strict rules: never pay for reviews, swap reviews with other authors, or ask friends and family to review. See how to get more sales for honest ways to earn them.