Metadata

for Independent Publishers

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Thanks for Requesting the Metadata Expert Insight for Publishers

Below you’ll find your free resources. A practical pathway to improve discoverability, sales, and retailer compliance begins where you are and allows you to level up at your own pace. Bookmark this page and return at any time.

1. Start Here

Basics of Metadata

  • What it is: Friendly primer on what metadata is and why it matters for search and sales.
  • You’ll get: The core fields to focus on first (title, contributors, description, subjects, keywords).
  • Best for: Teams new to metadata or needing a refresher.
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Metadata Checklist

  • What it is: One-page “Don't publish without this” list covering title, contributors, descriptions (with simple HTML), BISAC/Thema, keywords, audience codes, and more.
  • Use it when: You’re preparing a new title or auditing backlist basics.
  • Quick win: Ensures you’ve covered the essentials before anything goes live.
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Improve Discovery with Good Metadata

  • What it is: Practical steps that turn solid metadata into better retailer visibility and conversion.
  • Use it when: You’ve nailed the basics and want immediate uplift.
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2. Build Momentum

Title Metadata Best Practices

  • What it is: A practical guide to title metadata best practices, showing how strong metadata delivers more clicks and sales; covers descriptions, keywords, subjects, series info, review quotes, and more.
  • Use it when: You’re standardising processes across a list or imprint.
  • Outcome: Stronger, shopper-ready listings across retailers and libraries.
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How to Use Thema Subject Codes

  • What it is: Practical help on choosing accurate Thema subjects and qualifiers.
  • Use it when: You’re aligning UK/EU/global listings with Thema (post-BIC).
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Mastering Thema: Essentials for Publishers

  • What it is: Plain-English guidance on Thema strategy, common mistakes, and good habits.
  • Use it when: You want team-wide confidence with international subject coding.
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BISAC Codes & Keywords

  • What it is: Guidance on choosing and applying accurate BISAC subject codes and helpful keywords to improve findability.
  • Use it when: You’re assigning subjects/keywords or reviewing category fit.
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3. Go Further

Global Discoverability Guide

  • What it is: How to prep metadata for international reach byte limits, bilingual descriptions, multilingual keywords, edition descriptions, contributor info, Thema + BISAC together, and more.
  • Use it when: You’re selling into multiple regions or languages.
  • Outcome: Cleaner global listings, better sourcing by retailers/libraries, fewer blockers.
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Webinar: Metadata Success — Title Discoverability

  • What it is: Core fields that move the needle, examples of weak vs. strong metadata, and practical SEO/ “GEO” (AI assistant) tips you can implement now.
  • Great for: Team workshops and quick internal training.
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Webinar: Metadata for Global Markets

  • What it is: Field-by-field guidance for global reach (title name byte limits, bilingual descriptions, multilingual keywords), plus market considerations and export strategy notes.
  • Great for: Publishers expanding beyond a single market or language.
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We hope you find these materials useful!

If you have any questions or want advice, we’re here to help. Feel free to contact us to explore how Ingram can support your metadata and distribution needs. We’d love to learn about your publishing goals and see how we can assist. We’re excited to see how you put these tips into action. Good luck, and thanks for partnering with Ingram.

FAQs

We’re a small team with limited time. Will improving metadata be too time-consuming?

Not at all. The resources in this pack focus on quick wins, simple tweaks that deliver benefits. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Even investing a few hours to follow the checklist or implement one tip at a time can improve your discoverability. It’s about working smarter, not harder, with metadata.

    I’m not a tech person and know nothing about ONIX. Is this pack for me?

    Yes! We wrote these guides with non-technical publishers in mind. All concepts are explained in plain English, with practical examples. Whether you’re new to metadata or have only used basic tools, you’ll find the guidance easy to follow, no jargon or tech background required.

    We already distribute via a company that handles our metadata. Do we still need this?

    Even if a distributor or service sends out your metadata, it’s your metadata. This pack helps you understand and improve the information you provide to them. You may discover new keywords, more accurate descriptions, or correct category codes to assign to your distributor. In short, these resources help you collaborate more effectively with any third party, so nothing falls through the cracks.

      Does metadata really make that much of a difference?

      Absolutely. Effective metadata is a key driver of book sales and discovery in today’s market. Think of metadata as the bridge between your books and potential readers. If the bridge is weak, fewer readers cross it. In short, good metadata helps your book get found, trusted, and purchased by more people.

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