BIC Subject Categories and Qualifiers
Definition of BIC Subject Categories: Standard classification scheme for the UK book trade and other English language markets. Fiction.
Code Description
F DO NOT use “F” on individual books, select appropriate detailed code
FA Modern and contemporary fiction (post 1945)
FC Classic fiction (pre-1945)
FF Crime and mystery
FH Thriller/suspense
FJ Adventure
FK Horror and ghost stories
FL Science fiction
FM Fantasy
FP Erotic fiction
FQ Myth and legend told as fiction
FR Romance and sagas
FV Historical fiction; contemporary novels pre-1900
FW Religious and spiritual fiction
FX Graphic novels
FY Fiction: special features
FZ Fiction-related items
Y Children’s, teenage and educational
YB Picture books, activity books, and early learning material
YBC Picture books
YBCB Baby books; small format, board book, or rag book
YBCH Picture books: character books; books based on TV or film characters, and books featuring established
pictorially-represented characters used in several books or other products (eg Maisy, Spot,
Beatrix Potter books, Disney books, etc.)
YBCS Picture storybooks; picture books with a strong narrative text