Last updated: June 2026

Free KDP Keyword Generator

Generate 7 optimized Amazon backend keywords from your book description. Instant results, no signup required.

No signup 7 keywords generated Relevance scores

A KDP keyword generator helps you find the 7 backend keywords Amazon allows for each book. Paste your book description and get targeted keyword phrases that match what readers actually search for—including genre terms, tropes, themes, and character types that help Amazon's algorithm connect your book with the right audience.

7
keywords per book on Amazon KDP
50
characters max per keyword
Free
this tool forever
0s
no signup required

What are Amazon KDP Keywords?

Amazon KDP keywords are the 7 "backend" search terms you can add when publishing your book through Kindle Direct Publishing. Unlike your title and description, these keywords are not visible to shoppers—they work behind the scenes to help Amazon's algorithm understand what your book is about and match it to relevant search queries.

When a reader searches for "cozy mystery with cats" or "enemies to lovers fantasy romance," Amazon's algorithm scans your keywords (along with your title, subtitle, description, and categories) to determine if your book should appear in the results. The right keywords can mean the difference between being discovered by thousands of readers and being buried on page 50.

Each keyword slot allows up to 50 characters, and you should use phrases rather than single words. For example, "small town second chance romance" is far more effective than just "romance" because it captures the specific reading experience readers are searching for.

Our free generator analyzes your book description to identify the most relevant keyword phrases based on your genre, subgenres, themes, tropes, and character types. For a more comprehensive keyword strategy including category optimization, see our Book Marketing Report.

Amazon's Official Keyword Rules

Follow these guidelines to keep your book in good standing with Amazon.

What to Include

  • + Setting: Colonial America, Victorian England, small town
  • + Character types: single dad, female detective, reluctant hero
  • + Plot themes: coming of age, second chance, revenge
  • + Story tone: dark, cozy, feel-good, gritty
  • + Tropes: enemies to lovers, chosen one, unreliable narrator
  • + Subgenre combinations: paranormal cozy mystery

What to Avoid

  • - Words from your title (already indexed by Amazon)
  • - Subjective claims: "best novel ever," "must-read"
  • - Time-sensitive terms: "new," "on sale," "2024"
  • - Generic terms: "book," "ebook," "novel"
  • - Competitor names or trademarked terms
  • - Program names: "Kindle Unlimited," "Prime Reading"

How the KDP Keyword Generator Works

Three steps to optimized Amazon keywords

1

Paste Your Description

Enter your book synopsis, blurb, or description. Include details about characters, setting, themes, and tone for best results.

2

AI Analysis

Our tool identifies your genre, subgenres, themes, tropes, and character types to generate targeted keyword phrases.

3

Get 7 Keywords

Receive 7 optimized keywords with relevance scores, competition levels, and search intent explanations. Copy directly to KDP.

Free KDP Keyword Tool vs. Publisher Rocket

Publisher Rocket is the industry-standard tool for Amazon keyword research, priced at $199 (one-time). It provides search volume estimates, competition scores, and revenue potential for each keyword. For serious authors running Amazon Ads or optimizing multiple books, it's a worthwhile investment.

Our free tool takes a different approach: instead of crawling Amazon for search data, we analyze your specific book description to generate targeted keywords that match your content. This ensures high relevance but doesn't include search volume metrics.

Feature This Tool (Free) Publisher Rocket ($199)
Keyword generation
Based on your book content -
Amazon search volume data -
Competition scores Basic Detailed
Revenue estimates -
Category recommendations -
Price Free $199

Recommendation: Use our free tool for quick keyword generation tailored to your book. If you're running Amazon Ads or publishing multiple books, consider Publisher Rocket for search volume data. For comprehensive marketing including keywords, categories, comp titles, and 15+ more assets, see our Book Marketing Report.

Who Uses the KDP Keyword Generator?

New Authors

Publishing your first book? Get keyword suggestions without spending $199 on Publisher Rocket before you know if self-publishing is for you.

Authors with Stalled Sales

Book not showing up in search? Generate fresh keywords to test whether different terms improve your discoverability.

Budget-Conscious Authors

Self-publishing costs add up. Get solid keyword suggestions for free, then invest in paid tools once you have revenue.

Authors Testing New Niches

Writing in a new genre? Quickly generate niche-specific keywords to understand how readers search for books like yours.

Trusted by 2,000+ authors & publishers

Want More Than Just Keywords?

Get keywords, categories, comp titles, blurb, and 15+ more marketing assets—all from one manuscript upload.

Free Tool

Keywords Only

  • ○7 keywords from description
  • ○Basic relevance scores
  • ○No KDP category recommendations
  • ○No market positioning strategy
Free
RECOMMENDED
Book Marketing Report

Keywords + Full Marketing

  • 7 optimized keywords from full manuscript
  • KDP categories with bestseller potential
  • 10 comp titles, audience profiles, blurb, synopsis
  • Marketing plan, ad copy, timely angles
  • 20 total marketing assets
Starting at $40 one-time
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Your manuscript is private—deleted within 30 days Never used to train AI models Results delivered in ~20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many keywords can I use on Amazon KDP?
Amazon KDP allows you to enter up to 7 backend keywords when publishing your book. Each keyword field can contain up to 50 characters. These are "backend" keywords meaning they're not visible to shoppers but help Amazon's algorithm understand what your book is about and match it to relevant searches.
What makes a good KDP keyword?
Good KDP keywords are phrases (not single words) that readers actually type into Amazon when searching for books. They should be specific enough to reach your target audience but not so niche that no one searches for them. Effective keywords capture your book's genre, subgenre, themes, tropes, character types, and setting. Avoid generic terms like "book" or "novel" and never include words already in your title.
Should I repeat words from my book title in keywords?
No. Amazon already indexes words from your title and subtitle, so repeating them in your backend keywords wastes valuable space. Instead, use your 7 keyword slots for synonyms, related terms, tropes, and search phrases that complement your title. For example, if your title mentions "detective," use keywords like "police procedural" or "murder mystery" instead.
How does this tool compare to Publisher Rocket?
Publisher Rocket ($199 one-time) provides search volume estimates and competition data from Amazon. Our free tool generates targeted keywords based on your specific book description but doesn't include search volume data. For comprehensive keyword research with volume metrics, consider Publisher Rocket. For quick, free keyword generation tailored to your book, use our tool. Many authors use both.
What keywords should I avoid on Amazon KDP?
Amazon prohibits several types of keywords: subjective claims ("best novel ever"), time-sensitive terms ("new," "on sale"), generic terms ("book," "ebook"), misspellings, competitor author names, trademarked terms, program names ("Kindle Unlimited"), and misleading keywords that don't match your book content. Violating these rules can result in your book being suppressed in search results.
How often should I update my KDP keywords?
Review your keywords quarterly or whenever sales plateau. Amazon's A10 algorithm now prioritizes semantic relevance over exact keyword matching, so focus on accurately describing your book rather than keyword stuffing. If you're running Amazon Ads, your ad performance data can reveal which keywords convert best for your book.
Do keywords affect my Amazon book ranking?
Yes, but they're just one factor. Amazon's A10 algorithm considers keywords, sales velocity, reviews, click-through rate, and conversion rate. Good keywords help the right readers find your book, which can improve click-through and conversion rates. However, no amount of keyword optimization will help if your cover, blurb, and content don't match reader expectations.
What's the difference between keywords and categories on KDP?
Keywords are search terms that help readers find your book through Amazon's search bar. Categories (also called BISAC codes) determine where your book appears in Amazon's browse categories and bestseller lists. Both are important for discoverability. Our Book Marketing Report includes optimized recommendations for both keywords and KDP categories.

Related Reading

Mastering Amazon KDP Keywords for More Sales

In-depth guide to Amazon keyword strategy including the alphabet soup method, long-tail keywords, and A9 algorithm optimization.

8 Best Publisher Rocket Alternatives in 2026

Compare keyword research tools including free options, subscription services, and comprehensive book marketing platforms.

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