Designing your own book cover can be one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of the publishing process. Whether you’re a self-published author, a hobbyist, or creating a gift for a friend, making your own book cover gives you total creative control and saves money.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step — from planning to publishing — so you can create a stunning cover that captures attention and reflects your book’s message.
1. Know Your Genre and Audience
Before you open a design tool, ask yourself:
- What is the genre of my book?
Book cover design conventions vary greatly. A thriller often uses dark tones and bold fonts. A romantic novel might use soft pastels and elegant typefaces. - Who is my target reader?
A children’s book cover will look drastically different from a business book. Define your audience by age, interests, and expectations. - Research Tip:
Go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Goodreads. Browse bestsellers in your genre. Note recurring design elements: font styles, color palettes, image types, and layout.
2. Choose the Right Design Tools
No matter your skill level, there’s a tool for you:
- Beginner-Friendly Tools:
- Canva – Drag-and-drop interface with hundreds of book cover templates.
- BookBrush – Made specifically for authors, with pre-sized templates for Amazon, KDP, etc.
- Adobe Express – Easy to use with professional-looking templates.
- Advanced Tools:
- Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator – Ideal for detailed designs and layered graphics.
- GIMP – Free, open-source alternative to Photoshop.
3. Plan Your Book Cover Elements
A great make your own book cover includes:
- Title: Must be readable even at thumbnail size.
- Subtitle (optional): Use to clarify or add intrigue.
- Author Name: Usually near the top or bottom.
- Imagery: Illustration, photograph, pattern, or graphic.
- Typography: Fonts must match the tone of the book.
- Color Scheme: Use colors that evoke the right emotion (e.g., red for drama, blue for calm).
Pro Tip: Limit fonts to 2–3 types to maintain visual harmony.
4. Use High-Quality Visuals and Graphics
Never use pixelated or copyrighted images. Here’s where you can get legal, high-quality visuals:
- Free Image Resources:
- Premium Stock Sites:
- Shutterstock, iStock, Adobe Stock
- Or, Create Your Own:
Use illustrations, photography, or digital artwork if you want something truly unique.
5. Set the Correct Dimensions and Resolution
For Print Books (Paperback or Hardcover):
- Standard size: 6″ x 9″ (but varies by printer)
- Resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch)
- Full Cover Includes:
- Front cover
- Spine (width varies with page count)
- Back cover
Use your print-on-demand provider’s template (e.g., Kindle Direct Publishing provides a downloadable template based on your book’s trim size and page count).
For eBooks:
- Recommended size: 1600 x 2560 pixels
- Format: JPG or PNG
- Only front cover is needed
6. Design and Layout Best Practices
Here are layout tips that apply across genres:
- Balance text and imagery. Don’t overcrowd the design.
- Use hierarchy. Title should be largest, then subtitle, then author name.
- Make it readable. Test how it looks at small sizes (like on Amazon thumbnails).
- Alignment matters. Keep elements centered or follow a grid layout.
- Add subtle effects. Shadows, textures, or overlays can add depth when used wisely.
7. Test and Gather Feedback
Before you publish:
- Share multiple variations of your cover with friends or writing communities.
- Ask for feedback on:
- Readability
- Visual appeal
- Genre alignment
- Professionalism
Tip: Create a mockup (e.g., using Placeit.net or Canva’s mockup tools) to visualize the cover on a book or device.
8. Export and Save in the Right Format
eBook:
- Save as JPG or PNG.
- Ensure it’s under 50MB for Kindle upload.
- Keep a high-resolution backup.
Print:
- Export as a PDF, including the front, spine, and back cover.
- Ensure it matches the bleed, trim, and margin requirements of your printer.
- Keep a layered version (e.g., PSD or AI) for future edits.
9. Upload to Publishing Platforms
Each platform has different requirements. Here are a few:
- Amazon KDP:
Accepts PDF for print covers and JPG for eBook covers. - IngramSpark:
Requires PDF/X-1a:2001 format and spine dimensions based on page count. - Draft2Digital or Smashwords:
For eBooks only; cover image should be high-res and properly sized.
Always double-check the platform’s latest specifications.
10. Keep It Consistent Across Your Author Brand
Once your cover is ready, use the same visual style in your:
- Social media banners
- Author website
- Promotional materials
- Bookmarks or business cards
Consistency strengthens your brand and makes your books more recognizable.
Final Thoughts
Making your own book cover is not only budget-friendly but also an empowering creative experience. By understanding your audience, using the right tools, and following design best practices, you can produce a cover that looks professional and feels personal.
