Thema is an international classification system used to categorize books based on content and subject matter. Thema subjects offer a universal language that facilitates more efficient distribution, marketing, and discovery of books across worldwide platforms and markets. Understanding and utilizing Thema can significantly enhance your title’s global visibility. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts when using Thema.
Use both BISAC and Thema for global visibility: While BISAC subjects are commonly used in the North American market, utilizing Thema subjects for the rest of the world (ROW) market ensures global visibility.
Use up to three Thema subjects: Selecting up to three subjects allows for nuanced classification, providing readers with a clear understanding of the book’s primary themes and topics.
List the primary subject first: Place the primary subject first to clearly indicate the focus or theme of the book.
Use Thema qualifiers: Qualifiers are used in conjunction with the subjects and help to refine the subject categories. Examples of types of qualifiers:
-- Place qualifiers should be used to convey either the setting for a fiction title or a particular place for a nonfiction title.
-- Time period qualifiers should be used to express a particular time period in which a book is set (fiction) or about (nonfiction).
-- Language qualifiers should be used to convey the language that the book is about, not the language in which the book is written. i.e. For a book written in English about how to learn French, use a French language qualifier.
Apply Teen, Children’s, and Educational subjects for Young Adult and Juvenile Titles: For YA/JUV titles, utilize appropriate Thema subjects such as Teen, Children’s, and Educational categories.
Use Thema for titles with both international and U.S. distribution: Regardless of distribution channels, incorporate Thema subjects into metadata to ensure consistent classification and discoverability across international and U.S. markets.
Don’t use top level Subject Categories (one-letter codes): Avoid using top level categories as Thema subjects. They lack specificity on their own and may lead to confusion or misclassification.
Don’t use redundant or overly specific subjects: Refrain from including redundant or overly specific subjects that do not add significant value to the classification.
Don’t use incorrect subjects: Avoid using incorrect or marginally relevant subjects to get your book classified in multiple sections of a store. This scattershot approach can confuse booksellers and customers as well as make the actual subject of the book hard to identify.
Don't use Thema Gift Book (code WZG): Avoid using the Thema Gift Book subject (code WZG) for categorizing books. It is not intended for standard book classification purposes.
For additioinal information on selecting and using Thema subjects, please see here.
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