Tips for Designing your Book Covers

Your Book Cover Is Your First Impression

A book cover is every reader’s first impression—and in publishing, you rarely get a second one. Every element is intentional, strategic, and designed to sell your story before a single page is read.

Here’s a quick checklist for anyone in the cover design process:

Front Cover

Title:
Clearly visible and typically the largest text element.

Subtitle:
Placed beneath or beside the title for added clarity.

Author’s Name:
Positioned below the title or aligned along the lower third.

Graphics / Illustrations:
Imagery that aligns with your theme, genre, and brand identity.

Back Cover

Synopsis / Summary:
A concise and magnetic overview of what the book delivers.

Author Bio:
A short, polished paragraph introducing the author’s credibility.

Author Photo (Optional):
Typically placed beside or beneath the bio.

Barcode:
Required for retail distribution and scanning.

Additional Endorsements (Optional):
Blurbs, testimonials, or reviews to boost authority.

Spine

Title:
Printed vertically for clean, easy shelf readability.

Author’s Name:
Placed vertically beside or below the title.

Publisher’s Logo:
Usually positioned at the bottom of the spine for branding.

Ready for a Cover That Sells Your Story?

If you want a cover that elevates your message, positions your brand, and captivates readers before they even open the book—message us today.

Let us design the cover your book truly deserves.