Categorizing Book (Self-Help? Business? Personal Improvement?)

That's a tough one. I'm having the same problem with my books at the moment.

I'd put it as business in the query, and let the agent worry about defining it for you. He or she would probably know better from your proposal where they could fit it in. (Some agent somewhere suggested we writers usually get it wrong anyway. )

I would have to think you want it categorized as small business simply because that's where someone will look when they are looking for information on starting a business - disabled or not.

Now, if the angle of your book were more to discuss options for empowerment for the disabled, of which one suggestion (chapter) is self-employment, then I would say self-help or personal improvement as the category.

Jeff

Since it's first and foremost about how to start a home business, it should be categorized as a business book; the secondary category can be health or self-help. When the publisher prints the cover, there will be a category label on the back to help shelve the book; it makes the most sense for it to be in the business section rather than the health or self-help one. For marketing and sales purposes, publishers often will have two categories: a primary one and a secondary one. That way the sales staff can pitch it a variety of ways (similar to what you're suggesting above). Good luck with this book!

I would agree with those who say to catagorize as business. It will be mainly in your marketing pieces/back cover where you elaborate on the fact that it's not just another home based biz book. Of course, your title will make that clear too.

My husband falls into this category (RA) and I think you're targeting a good niche.

Good luck.