Understanding Algorithms: A Simple Guide for New Fiction Authors

Understanding Algorithms: A Simple Guide for New Fiction Authors

Chuck Morgan, Crime Fiction Author

If you’re a new fiction author, you’ve probably heard people talk about “the algorithm” like it’s some mysterious force controlling your book’s fate. An algorithm is just a set of rules a computer uses to decide what to show people.

And here’s the good news: once you understand what algorithms look for, you can work with them instead of feeling like they’re working against you.

What an Algorithm Actually Is

An algorithm is a recipe.

It takes in information, follows steps, and produces a result.

On book platforms and social media, algorithms decide things like:

·         Which books appear in the search results

·         Which books get recommended

·         Which posts show up in someone’s feed

·         Which videos go viral

They’re not judging your writing. They’re reacting to signals.

The Three Things All Algorithms Care About

No matter the platform, Amazon, TikTok, Facebook, Goodreads, they all focus on the same three things.

1. Relevance

Does your book match what the reader is looking for?

Algorithms look at your:

·         Cover

·         Title

·         Description

·         Keywords

·         Categories

If your book looks and sounds like the genre readers want, the algorithm knows where to place it.

2. Engagement

Are people interacting with your book?

This includes:

·         Clicks

·         Purchases

·         KU page reads

·         Reviews

·         Ratings

·         Time spent reading

More engagement = more visibility.

3. Consistency

Are people interacting with your book over time?

Algorithms love steady activity, not one‑day spikes.

How Amazon’s Algorithm Works (Plain English)

Amazon’s goal is simple: show readers books they’re likely to buy.

It watches:

·         What readers click

·         What they buy

·         What they read

·         How fast they read

·         What they search for

Then it recommends books that match those patterns.

The most important part of Amazon’s system is the recommendation engine—the “Also Boughts,” “Recommended for You,” and “Top Picks” sections. Most sales come from these, not from search.

If your book attracts the right readers, Amazon will show it to more of them.

How Social Media Algorithms Work

Social platforms reward content that keeps people watching, reading, or interacting.

They boost posts that:

·         Get quick engagement

·         Spark conversation

·         Match a user’s interests

·         Keep people on the platform

They bury posts that feel like ads or get ignored.

For authors, this means:

·         Authentic beats salesy

·         Storytelling beats shouting “Buy my book”

·         Consistency beats randomness

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up regularly.

How Goodreads’ Algorithm Works

Goodreads recommends books based on:

·         Shelves

·         Ratings

·         Reviews

·         Lists

·         Book clubs

·         Reading activity

The more readers interact with your book, the more Goodreads spreads it.

So early reviews matter.

The Most Important Rule: Clear Signals Win

Algorithms don’t guess. They follow the signals you give them.

Strong signals:

·         A cover that fits your genre

·         A clear, genre‑specific title

·         A description that uses reader‑friendly language

·         Keywords readers actually search for

·         Categories that match your book

·         Steady sales or page reads

·         Early reviews

Weak signals:

·         A cover that confuses readers

·         A vague description

·         Misleading keywords

·         Random categories

·         Sales spikes followed by silence

·         No reviews

Strong signals tell the algorithm, “This book belongs here.”

How to Work With Algorithms as a New Author

Here are simple steps that make a big difference.

1. Match your genre

Your cover, title, and description should instantly tell readers what kind of story you’re offering.

2. Use real search terms

Think like a reader:

·         “small‑town romance,”

·         “serial killer thriller,”

·         “cozy mystery with cats,”

Not like a marketer.

3. Pick the right categories

Choose categories where your real readers browse—not tiny categories just to hit #1.

4. Encourage early engagement

Ask early readers to:

·         Leave reviews

·         Add your book to Goodreads

·         Share it with friends

This teaches the algorithm who your audience is.

5. Stay consistent

Algorithms reward steady activity:

·         Regular posts

·         Small, ongoing ads

·         Predictable release schedules

Slow and steady beats big bursts.

Final Thoughts

Algorithms aren’t magical or mysterious. They’re predictable once you understand what they look for: relevance, engagement, and consistency.

If you:

·         Present your book clearly

·         Aim it at the right readers

·         Encourage early interaction

·         Stay active over time

The algorithms will help readers discover your work.

https://chuckmorganbooks.com