How to Find Keywords and Weave Them Into a Book Description (Without Publisher Rocket)
You’ve written the book. You’re ready to hit publish. And now you’re staring at the book description field wondering:
How do I make sure readers actually find this thing?
You’ve heard keywords matter. And they do. But tools like Publisher Rocket aren’t in everyone’s budget. Luckily, you don’t need fancy software to find great keywords—and use them effectively.
Here’s how to do it the scrappy, author-smart way.
Step 1: Use the Amazon Search Bar
Go to the Kindle Store and start typing your genre or subgenre—something like “romantic suspense” or “urban fantasy.” Let the autofill suggestions show up. Amazon is literally telling you what readers are searching for.
Take notes.
Step 2: Study Top-Selling Books
Click into the top 10–20 books in your category. Read the blurbs. What phrases come up again and again?
You’re not copying. You’re researching.
If several authors mention “grumpy sunshine,” “secret billionaire,” or “space bounty hunter,” those are phrases readers expect—and search for.
Step 3: Think Like a Reader
Ask yourself: If I were looking for my book, what would I type in the search bar?
Think in layers:
Tropes: enemies to lovers, found family, forced proximity
Settings: small-town, haunted hotel, post-apocalyptic city
Character types: single mom, undercover cop, witch-in-training
Jot those ideas down. You’re building your keyword list organically.
Step 4: Weave Keywords In Naturally
Now it’s time to write your description. Don’t keyword-stuff. Instead, tell the story and slip those keywords in like they belong—because they do.
Here’s an example:
“In this small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance, a struggling innkeeper and a big-city developer clash over the future of a historic bed-and-breakfast—until one kiss changes everything.”
See how the keywords support the story pitch. That’s what you’re aiming for: clean, compelling, and discoverable.
Your book description isn’t just about SEO. It’s about seduction. It should invite the reader in, spark curiosity, and make them click “Buy Now.” Keywords help your book show up. Your voice is what sells it.
Write for humans first. Search algorithms second.