The Magic of Metadata - Why Metadata Matters

Unlock the power of metadata and learn how keywords, categories, and descriptions help your book get discovered by the right readers.

Every book has a hidden engine working behind the scenes — metadata. It’s the combination of keywords, categories, descriptions, and details that help readers find your book in an ocean of millions. In this episode of the Cosmo Publishing Podcast, host Gürhan, co-founder of Cosmo Publishing and Cosmodio Books, breaks down metadata in simple, practical language that any author can understand.
Metadata might sound technical, but it’s really about communication. It tells bookstores, retailers, and search engines what your book is about and who it’s for. When your metadata is clear and strategic, your book rises in search results, reaches more readers, and performs better in ads. When metadata is weak, your book becomes invisible — even if it’s beautifully written.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to choose keywords that match how real readers search. Gürhan explains how Amazon’s search suggestions, competing books, and reader intent can guide your decisions. You’ll see how a strong keyword can be the difference between your book appearing on page one or disappearing into the background.

You’ll also learn how to select the right categories, why subcategories matter more than broad genres, and how choosing smarter placements can boost your visibility without manipulating the system. Gürhan shares examples of authors who repositioned their books with better metadata and immediately saw improvements in ranking, sales, and discoverability.

The episode also explores the connection between metadata and your book description. A strong description supports your keywords, reinforces your themes, and helps readers understand your book within seconds. You’ll hear simple techniques for writing descriptions that feel clear, natural, and aligned with your genre.

Gürhan also covers common mistakes — keyword stuffing, irrelevant categories, outdated BISAC codes, and descriptions that confuse instead of clarify. Through real author stories, you’ll see how small fixes can make a major difference in how retailers understand and recommend your book.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to view metadata not as a chore, but as a powerful tool. You’ll understand how to position your book precisely, how to speak the language of your readers, and how to build a foundation that supports your marketing, your ads, and your long-term publishing goals.

Listen now to “Metadata Magic” — and discover how to make your book visible, searchable, and irresistible to the readers who need it most.

CHAPTERS

1. Intro
2. What Metadata Really Is ... 6.12
3. Understanding Keywords ... 13.45
4. Keyword Strategy in Practice ... 21.01
5. Demystifying Categories ... 28.50
6. Strategic Category Placement ... 36.17
7. Combining Keywords and Categories ... 44.39
8. Action Checklist ... 52.52