Methodology
How Book Visibility Mapping works
BVM is structured research into how a book is presented, how its intended readers search and which pathways or markets merit attention. This page explains the process and how we separate evidence from opinion.
The research process
Steps are applied according to the package you choose.
Author and book intake
We collect the essentials: the book, its listings, publication history, intended readers, what you control (for example, metadata) and what you have already tried. Nothing is assumed about results at this stage.
Research objectives and scope
We agree the questions the research should answer and what falls outside the package. A clear scope keeps the work focused and the conclusions honest.
Reader and audience discovery
We investigate how intended readers look for books like yours: the language they use, the categories they browse and the recommendation and community pathways relevant to the genre.
Depth increases from Emerald to Ruby.
Positioning and comparable titles
We assess whether the book's presentation signals the right genre, audience and promise, and study relevant comparable titles to understand the conventions of its shelf. Comparable titles are studied for presentation and competition, never as sales forecasts.
Metadata and discoverability analysis
We review publicly visible categories, descriptions and listing data for how they support or limit discovery.
Included in Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby. Not included in Diamond, which focuses on international comparison.
Market-demand indicators and competition
Where evidence permits, we look at public indicators of reader interest and at the competitive environment. Indicators are reported as indicators, with their limitations.
Channels and international comparisons
For international work, we compare up to three markets (Diamond) or a bespoke scope (Platinum), using official and industry sources where available, alongside observation of local retail and genre conventions.
Diamond and Platinum.
Evidence evaluation and recommendations
Every finding is tied to its evidence and graded: what we observed directly, what the indicators suggest, and what remains uncertain. Recommendations follow from the findings and are prioritised.
Delivery of the final report
You receive a written report matched to your package, with findings, limitations and strategic recommendations you or your publisher can act on.
How we label what we find
Verified evidence
Directly observed and documented — for example, how a listing appears or which categories a book occupies on a given date.
Indicators and estimates
Signals that point in a direction without proving it, such as public interest indicators. Always presented with their limitations.
Hypotheses
Reasoned explanations that the evidence supports but cannot confirm. Clearly labelled as such.
Recommendations
Our professional judgement on what merits attention, built on the above and ranked by priority.
What BVM is — and is not
BVM includes
- Research, analysis and documented findings
- Stated limitations for every conclusion
- Prioritised strategic recommendations
- Hands-on implementation in every package: listing and profile optimisation, placements, submissions and outreach, as listed per package
BVM does not provide
- Paid advertising management
- Third-party fees (quoted separately before work begins)
- Guaranteed placements, reviews, rankings or sales
Client information and reports are confidential. We do not publish client findings or present unperformed research as completed work.