Sorting ebook libraries

[CazMar]

I have free or DRM free books in my library - no problem sorting these out as there are plenty of good apps with tagging or "collections" facilities and of course the wonderful Calibre on my PC to manage everything. The big problem is the growing mess in Google Play books, Amazon etc. It was fine when I had about 10-12 books in each, now I can't find anything. Most of the time I read on one of my tablets using the appropriate app (and that's another annoyance - apps for each seller!) Now I can't find books without either scrolling the lot or relying on my less than perfect memory for the author's name. But often I'd like to just browse "Detective stories" or "Travel books" etc.
Any suggestions?

[eschwartz]

Sounds like you need to remove the source of the problem -- the DRM. Google "apprentice alf" for more details.

(site policy prevents us discussing it in depth over here.)

You might also appreciate chaley's android app, Calibre Companion. It allows you to make full use of calibre metadata -- custom columns and all -- and open ebooks in whichever app you want from CC's library.

[AnemicOak]

This will only work if you're comfortable with the idea of removing DRM, but my suggestion would be put all the books from every store into Calibre and tag them how you'd like (genre's, etc.), set series info if desired. Then pick out a favorite reading app to use for everything and make sure all books are in the proper format (convert as necessary). Then use Calibre Companion to transfer and catalog the books on your tablet(s). CC will give you great flexibility allowing you to browse by series, author, title and whatever tags you have assigned a book.

Some screen cap examples of CC are attached...