If you’re staring at a blank screen wondering “how do authors create book covers?”—you’re in good company. And if you’re thinking it’s just about slapping a title on a pretty image, we’ve got some gentle news: there’s a bit more to it than that.
But don’t worry—we’re not here to talk down to you. Whether you’re sketching your own ideas on the back of a napkin or exploring professional options, this guide will walk you through every layer of book cover creation, one friendly step at a time.
Let’s get into it, starting with why this part of the process matters more than you might think.
Why Book Covers Actually Matter?
We’ve all done it. Judged a book by its cover. It’s not petty—it’s psychological. In fact, studies show that book buyers take just 8 seconds to decide if a book is worth their attention. That means your cover has to stop the scroll, win the browse, and whisper, “Pick me.”
So when we ask what makes a book cover stand out, we’re really asking:
- Does it reflect the genre?
- Is it visually clear at thumbnail size?
- Does the mood match the content?
- Is the typography strong and readable?
A successful book cover doesn’t just look good—it works hard. It sells the story before a single word is read. Now let’s check out what authors need to do to get a cover that sells:
1. Visualise Before You Design
Before you even open a design program, take a beat to get the vision right.
Think about your book’s tone, its genre and the ideal audience you want to target with your book. Based on that, create a “mood board” with sample covers you admire. This helps you (and any designer you might work with) understand the feeling you’re after.
And yes—this is true even if you’re planning to DIY it.
2. DIY vs Professional Help: What’s Your Route?
So now comes the big decision: are you designing it yourself, or calling in backup?
Going DIY
Plenty of tools are now accessible to indie authors. Some favourites:
- Canva (great for beginners)
- BookBrush (designed for authors)
- Adobe Photoshop or InDesign (for the brave or experienced)
While DIY does seem economical, consider that it is only an option if your budget is not getting you a professional book cover designer. There are many pitfalls to DIY book cover design. One wrong step in colour choice, font, or layout, and you’re looking at a bland cover that’s only warding off potential buyers. If you want to make an earning, then it’s preferably best to go for a professional who knows their stuff.
Hiring a Pro
If you’re asking, “How do I find someone to design a book cover?”, start with:
- Freelance platforms (like Reedsy or Fiverr)
- Design agencies
- Author community referrals
Just make sure they have a portfolio and understand your genre. And yes, some of you might be wondering: do book cover illustrators get royalties? Not usually. Most work for a flat fee, though specific licensing arrangements vary. Always clarify upfront. Additionally, don’t be stingy with your budget. If you’ve assigned a certain budget to a book-writing project, then consider allocating more than half to cover design. A book cover is what readers first check out, even before opening a book. Consider a good book cover designer an investment that brings readers into your book and helps it get that marketing traction to go global.
3. Know the Technical Stuff (Even If You Outsource It)
Even if someone else is doing the heavy lifting, you’ll still need to understand the basics, especially for platforms like Amazon KDP.
Let’s clear up a few of the most common format questions:
What is the best format for a book cover?
- Print: PDF with bleed marks
- eBooks: JPEG or PNG (300 dpi resolution minimum)
What format does KDP use for book covers?
- KDP recommends PDF for print and JPEG for eBook covers. Make sure it’s under 50 MB.
What size should a book cover design be?
- For eBooks: 1600 x 2560 pixels is the sweet spot.
- For print: Depends on trim size + spine width, but a 6”x9” book with 300 pages needs around 12.52″ x 9.25″ including bleed.
Getting these wrong can delay your publishing timeline, so double-check your specs before uploading.
4. Nailing the Front, Back, and Spine
You’ve probably obsessed over your front cover, but don’t forget the rest of the real estate.
Front Cover
- Title
- Author name (Where do you put the author’s name on the book cover? Usually at the top or bottom, depending on the design balance.)
- Imagery or illustration
- Subtitle or tagline (if applicable)
Spine
- Title
- Author name
- Publisher logo (if you have one)
Back Cover
- So, what should be on the back cover of a book?
- Blurb (hook readers fast)
- Author bio or quote
- ISBN barcode
- Publisher imprint (optional)
The back cover is your last pitch before someone decides to buy. Keep it clean, enticing, and typo-free.
5. Cover Creation Mistakes to Avoid
While you have all the creative freedom in preparing your book cover, there are certain things you still need to avoid to make sure your book cover catches eyes:
- Too Much Text – Simplicity wins. If your cover looks like a newspaper ad, dial it back.
- Poor Font Choices – Avoid default fonts. Choose ones that reflect your genre.
- Bad Image Quality – Low-res images will ruin your print version.
- Genre Mismatch – Your horror novel shouldn’t look like a rom-com. Readers will be confused and disappointed.
- Cluttered Layouts – Leave space to breathe. White space is your friend.
Remember, your cover isn’t there to explain everything. It’s there to hook.
Do Authors Actually Get a Say?
Traditionally published authors often ask: Do authors have control over their covers? The answer is: it depends. Big publishers may involve you, but the final call often sits with marketing.
Indie and self-published authors? Full control. Which is empowering—if a bit daunting.
At Wright Book Associates, we often help authors not just with formatting and editing, but also with making confident creative decisions. You don’t need to do it all yourself, but you should understand it all.
Final Note
So, how do authors create book covers that actually work?
They start with vision. They follow the technical specs. They get help when needed. And above all, they treat the cover not as decoration, but as the single most important marketing tool their book will ever have.
Whether you’re going DIY with Canva, outsourcing to a pro, or working with a publishing team like Wright Book Associates, the key is clarity. Know what you want the cover to say, and make sure it says it well.
That’s how you go from just another indie book to a book someone wants to pick up.