Subtitles, series names, and keyword stuffing
On the subject of keyword stuffing, I have a problem. Appreciate any input, especially if you have been zapped by the AZ auditors.
A publicity guy I am using suggested changing my series title and adding a subtitle to my (currently) two book series. However, I do not want to change my covers to have the subtitle show. For one, I already have the first book in the series published, and you can't change a subtitle on a paperback after you publish it.
He is saying, and I see examples on Amazon, that even though AZ says the subtitle should be on the cover and not to stick keywords in there, that AZ doesn't actually pay much attention unless it's egregious. And that you can add a subtitle to the ebook version even if it's not on the paperback.
To be fair to him, I found a highly rated book in my genre with the following subtitle: "An absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller with a killer twist". And it's not on the cover.
I mean, you gotta be kidding me.
Not only am I trying to comply with the TOS, I also hate to garbage up my covers and listings.
Am I being paranoid?
Here's what I currently use and what he wants me to do. I have put XXX in as the character name, and ZZZ as the actual book title, so I'm not promoting.
Current: Title - "ZZZ" ; no subtitle; series name - "XXX: A Vigilante Justice Thriller Series"
Suggested: Title - "ZZZ"; subtitle - "A Vigilante Justice Thriller"; series name - "XXX Retired Marine Action Series"