How does Epigramm handle book genres?
Epigramm automatically reads the genre information that is already embedded
in your ebook files (EPUB, Kindle, etc.). Most publishers include
industry-standard metadata, so your books come in pre-categorized without
any extra effort.
If your book does not contain any genre metadata, Epigramm checks
Open Library for any genre information associated with that title and fills
it in for you when available.
Can I edit the genre if it's wrong?
Absolutely. Genre metadata can be messy or overly broad ("Fiction / General"),
so Epigramm lets you change it anytime. Just open the book's details and
choose a better fit, or create your own custom genre entirely.
Why are some genres very specific and others more general?
Different publishers tag their books differently. Some provide extremely
detailed categories, while others keep it simple. Epigramm standardizes these
as much as possible, then gives you full control to make adjustments.
Can a book have more than one genre?
Yes! Many books span multiple genres: fantasy romance, sci-fi thriller,
literary memoir, and more. You can add or remove genres to match how you
think about the book.
What if my ebook has no genre metadata at all?
Some files, especially older editions, downloads, or indie releases, do not
include genre information. When that happens, you will see a simple placeholder,
and you can assign the correct genre manually.
Does editing the genre affect my recommendations or stats?
Yes, in a good way. Updating the genre helps Epigramm give you cleaner
insights, more accurate reading stats, and better library organization.
Your edits stay private and local to your account.
Can I create my own custom genres?
Yes. If you use personal categories like "Cozy Fantasy", "Romantasy",
or "Dark Academia", you can add those too. Your custom genres work
exactly like the built-in ones.
Will Epigramm change my genre choices automatically later?
No. Once you edit a genre, it stays that way unless you change it again.
Epigramm never overwrites your preferences.
Why not rely entirely on automatic genre detection?
Because metadata from publishers is inconsistent. Some books arrive perfectly
tagged; others do not. Epigramm gives you smart defaults and the freedom to
fine-tune, so your library actually reflects how you read.
What's the difference between genres and subgenres?
Genres are broad categories (Fantasy, Romance, Mystery). Subgenres get more specific
(Urban Fantasy, Historical Romance, Cozy Mystery). Epigramm treats them the same way
— you can use both broad and specific genres to organize your library however makes
sense to you.
How do I use genres to find my next read?
Search by genre alone ("fantasy") or combine with other metadata ("fantasy unread"
or "cozy mystery slow burn"). Genre is one of the most powerful filters because it's
usually your starting point for mood-based reading.
Can I see my reading patterns by genre?
Yes. Reading insights show which genres you read most, how your genre preferences
have changed over time, and which genres you finish faster or slower. This helps
you understand your actual reading habits vs. what you think you read.
What if a book doesn't fit traditional genres?
Create your own. Genre is a tool for organization, not a cage. If "Weird Fiction" or
"Slice of Life" or "Cozy Fantasy" helps you find books later, use it. Your library,
your system.
Can I turn off genre tracking if I don't use it?
Genre tracking is core to how Epigramm works, but you can customize how prominently it
appears in your workflow. Adjust settings to minimize fields you don't actively use.