Publisher Rocket Tutorial (2026): Master KDP Keyword Research

Step 1: Performing Keyword Niche Research

Open Publisher Rocket and select Keyword Search. Type a broad seed word or genre phrase (e.g., "cozy mystery", "cybersecurity for beginners", or "sci-fi space opera"). Publisher Rocket queries Amazon's search algorithm in real time to display exact search phrases entered by shoppers, along with key metrics:

• Estimated Monthly Amazon Searches: Direct volume counts from real Amazon buyers.
• Average Monthly Royalties: Estimated monthly revenue generated by top-ranking books.
• Competition Score (1-100): Green scores indicate low-competition niches ideal for new authors.

Step 2: Running a Reverse ASIN Search

Click Reverse ASIN Lookup. Copy the 10-character ASIN of any top-selling book in your sub-genre from Amazon and paste it into Publisher Rocket. In seconds, the software displays the exact keyword phrases that Amazon's algorithm uses to drive organic search traffic and sales to that specific title. Use these high-performing terms to populate your 7 KDP backend keyword slots during manuscript upload.

Step 3: Uncovering Low-Competition #1 Bestseller Categories

Navigate to Category Finder. Type your book's primary topic or sub-genre. Publisher Rocket lists all matching Kindle and Print subcategories across Amazon's 16,000+ category taxonomy. Crucially, it displays the exact number of daily book sales required to hit #1 Bestseller status and top 10 ranking. Choose subcategories requiring fewer than 5 to 10 daily sales to easily earn the Amazon Bestseller badge.

Step 4: Analyzing Competitor Pricing & Sales

Select Competition Analyzer to inspect the top 10 books ranking on page one of Amazon for your target keywords. Review their cover art, publication date, manuscript page length, list price, daily sales count, and estimated monthly earnings. Benchmark your book against established titles to set a competitive list price and page count.

Step 5: Generating High-ROI Amazon Ads (AMS) Keywords

Select AMS Keywords. Enter your seed topic to generate thousands of relevant Amazon Advertising search terms, competing author names, and book titles in one click. Export your customized keyword target list directly to CSV and upload it to Amazon Ads Manager to run profitable Sponsored Product campaigns.