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If you sell to major book wholesalers and retailers, you already know that many of them require you to use "BISAC Subject Categories" for your titles. Or if you plan to deal with these buyers in the future, you need to know that. The BISAC Subject Codes aren't useful only with wholesalers and retailers. They can also spur sales to consumers and libraries.

The BISAC Subject Headings

The BISAC Subject Headings were developed by the Book Industry Systems Advisory Committee of the Book Industry Study Group, Inc., to standardize book categories. With approximately 3,000 categories, the BISAC Subject Headings strike a balance between granularity and ease of use. What they describe is content. (For other kinds of classifications such as "gift book" or "mass market paperback," you can use fields in ONIX and BISAC communications formats that describe language, audience, age and grade level, and format/binding/packing.

Because the BISAC Subject Headings were designed with electronic transmission in mind, each category has both a name (a.k.a., a "Literal") and a code. The codes are 9 alpha/numeric digits. The first three characters of the code are letters that represent a section (i.e., Drama, Juvenile Fiction, etc.). The next three characters are numbers designed to connect subheadings and sub-subheadings within a section (e.g., Art/History/Asian). The final three characters represent the specific subject category.

The Importance of BISAC Subject Codes

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The new BISAC Heading Package, version 2.5 is essential for doing business today. Many companies in the supply chain require that all titles contain the proper and appropriate Subject Code as part of the submission for consideration. Updates to the 2.5 version include:

Data on discounted codes
Codes that have been combined
Extensive usage notes
Notes on the differences between version 2.4 & 2.5
Merchandising theme codes

To keep up with changing market conditions, the BISAC Subject Headings are continually revised. Revisions become available twice a year and typically present not only new categories and/or subcategories but also discontinued categories.

PMA Member Benefits

If you're a member of the Publishers Marketing Association (PMA), you can enjoy the benefits of the BISAC Subject Heading Codes at a discounted price. The PMA member cost is just $12.00 (over 50% discount) for the downloadable discs. By leveraging these subject codes, you can streamline your submission process, increase discoverability, and enhance your sales potential.

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Whether you're an established publisher or just starting out, utilizing the BISAC Subject Heading Codes can make a significant difference in your business. Don't miss out on this valuable resource to categorize your titles effectively, appeal to a wider audience, and boost your sales across various distribution channels.

So, take advantage of the PMA member benefits today and unlock the power of BISAC Subject Heading Codes for your publishing success!

And speaking of success, just as it's important to choose the right subject codes for your titles, it's also crucial to choose the right hotel for your business trips. Finding a comfortable and well-located hotel can make your travels more enjoyable and productive. Remember to consider factors like convenience, amenities, and customer reviews when booking your next hotel stay.