Book Cover Design Guide
What makes a cover work, how much it costs, and how to get one without wasting money.
What a Cover Actually Does
Your cover is not art – it is a sales tool. It tells a reader what kind of book this is, who it is for, and whether it is worth their time. A good cover does not have to be expensive, but it does have to do its job.
Genre Clues
A romance cover looks different from a thriller. A memoir looks different from a fantasy. Readers judge within seconds – if your cover does not fit the genre, they will scroll past.
Readability at Small Size
Your title and author name must be legible as a thumbnail on a phone screen. Fancy scripts and light colours often fail this test.
Front, Back, and Spine
Your cover is three things in one: the front face (the hook), the back cover (the blurb and barcode), and the spine (what people see on a shelf). All three need to work together.
Design Options – From DIY to Pro
You do not need to spend a fortune, but you do need to spend something – unless you have real design skills.
DIY with Templates
Services like Canva, BookBrush, or Adobe Express offer book cover templates. They are cheap (or free) and can produce decent results if you choose a simple design and stick to the template's fonts and colours.
Freelance Designers
Platforms like 99designs, Reedsy, or Fiverr let you hire a designer. Prices range from £50 to £500+. The key is to look at their portfolio and ask for a sample before paying in full.
Pre‑made Covers
Some designers sell ready‑to‑use covers at a fraction of the cost. You buy the rights and add your title and name. It is a fast, affordable middle ground.
What You Need to Provide
Whether you design it yourself or hire someone, you must give them the right technical details – otherwise the cover will not fit your book.
Trim Size
The final width and height of your printed page (e.g. 5x8 inches). Your cover must be sized to that exact measurement.
Spine Width
This depends on your page count and paper thickness. Your printer will tell you the exact number – get it before you start.
Bleed
An extra 3mm on each edge that gets trimmed off after printing. Without bleed, you may end up with white edges where the ink stops short.
Cover Wrap
The full design that includes front, spine, and back in one file. Most printers ask for a single PDF or JPG of the whole wrap.
Budget‑Friendly Tips
You can get a professional‑looking cover without a professional price tag.
Use Stock Images
Sites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Shutterstock offer high‑quality photos for a few pounds. Make sure you buy the right licence.
Keep It Simple
A bold title, a single strong image, and clean typography often outshine busy, crowded designs.
Get Feedback
Show your cover to people who read your genre. If they are confused or unimpressed, it is back to the drawing board.
After Your Cover Is Ready
Once you have the final file, you need to place it correctly in your book – and order a test print.
Apply It to Your Interior
Your PDF or Word document needs the cover as a separate page (front and back). This is part of your print‑ready file.
Order a Proof Copy
Always order one physical copy before you buy in bulk. Colours and alignment can look different on paper.
Before and After Your Cover
Make sure your manuscript is edited before finalising your cover, and start planning your launch once it is ready.
Ready to Design Your Cover?
Not sure where to start? Get in touch and we can point you to designers and tools that match your budget.
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