Let’s be honest, when we think about a book’s cover, we all focus on the front. The title. The art. The font. But the back cover? Even though it’s not something you look at first, it’s just as important. It’s the closer. The part that makes a curious reader become a paying one.
So, what should be on the back cover of a book design? The answer isn’t just “a blurb and a barcode.” There’s an art to it, one that combines persuasive writing, smart design, and reader psychology. And if you’re self-publishing or working on a draft with full creative control, this bit is yours to nail.
We’re diving into the essential elements, what to avoid, and how to make your back cover work as hard as your story does.
Why the Back Cover Deserves More Attention Than It Gets
Here’s the deal: your front cover pulls a reader in, but your back cover sells the book. It’s where decisions are made in bookshops, at events, and even online previews.
It needs to:
- Hook the reader emotionally
- Offer a snapshot of what’s inside
- Build trust (via bio or endorsements)
- Handle the business bits (ISBN, barcode)
And it needs to do all that in a clean, uncluttered space, often in less than 150 words.
What Should Be on the Back Cover of a Book Design?
Here’s a practical, step-by-step list of what to include (and why it matters):
1. The Blurb (Your Story Hook)
This is your moment to intrigue, not explain. A good back cover blurb reads like a movie trailer; it gives us the mood, the stakes, and just enough of the premise to make us desperate to know more. Don’t fall into the trap of summarising your entire plot. Instead, focus on what emotionally pulls readers in. Highlight the central conflict, the promise of the story, or the twist that makes it unique. Keep your language tight and genre-appropriate; mysteries want tension, romance wants longing, and fantasy wants epic scale. Ideally, you’ll want to keep this under 150 words and formatted into small, readable paragraphs. If you’re stuck, ask yourself, “What would make someone pick this up today?”
2. Author Bio (Only If It Adds Value)
A back cover bio can give readers a reason to trust you, if it’s relevant. If you’re writing nonfiction, memoir, or anything that leans on your personal experience or expertise, a brief bio adds weight. Mention past writing credits, awards, or even your professional background, whatever ties naturally into the book’s subject or theme. Just remember to keep it short and avoid sounding too promotional. A warm, conversational tone goes a long way. For placement, your name typically appears at the top or bottom on the front cover, but on the back, it fits neatly above the ISBN or beside your author photo and bio.
3. Endorsements or Reviews (If You Have Them)
Nothing boosts credibility like a third-party seal of approval. An endorsement from another author, a well-known figure in your field, or a trusted publication can tip someone from “maybe” to “add to basket.” If you’ve got strong praise, include it near the top or just above the blurb. Keep quotes short—one to two sentences max—and clearly attribute them. For debut authors, don’t stress if you haven’t got any. Focus instead on making your blurb do all the heavy lifting.
4. ISBN and Barcode (The Practical Bit)
Every printed book needs an ISBN. This is an international ID number. It’s what booksellers and libraries use to find, list, and stock their books. You’ll also need a barcode, which usually sits in the bottom right-hand corner. If you’re using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, you’ll be asked to upload your cover with the barcode area left blank—KDP will automatically insert it. For the technicals: KDP prefers PDF files with embedded fonts and bleed margins. Just make sure that the barcode space is on a white background to ensure scanning clarity.
5. Publisher Logo or Imprint (Optional)
If you’re publishing under your own imprint—or through a small press—a logo can subtly increase your book’s professional polish. It’s not essential, but if you’ve got one, pop it near the barcode or bottom spine. Just keep it minimal. You don’t want it to overshadow the blurb or author name.
6. Genre Cues and Design Consistency
The back cover isn’t just about text—it’s part of the visual whole. Whatever fonts, colours, or design motifs you’ve used on the front should flow to the back. This isn’t just for beauty’s sake—it helps the reader immediately clock your genre. A thriller might use bold sans-serif fonts and dark imagery, while a romantic comedy could lean into pastel tones and playful script. Keep spacing generous, maintain hierarchy between the blurb and other details, and above all, make it legible. If you’re wondering what makes a book cover stand out, it’s often consistency across the board.
7. Website or Contact Info (Optional but Clever)
Finally, give readers somewhere to go after they’ve finished your book, or even before they buy it. A simple line at the bottom of your back cover, like “Learn more at www.yourname.com” or “Connect with [@YourHandle] on Instagram”, creates a bridge to your author platform. It’s a small, subtle nudge that can go a long way in building long-term readers.
Mistakes to Avoid on the Back Cover
1. Clutter and Cramming
Too many elements can overwhelm. If everything is bold, nothing stands out. Use white space generously.
2. Font That’s Too Small or Too Fancy
Legibility is everything. Don’t go below 10pt. Stick to clean, readable fonts—even if your book is edgy or artsy.
3. Covering the Barcode
It’s tempting to get creative, but never place important visuals or text behind the barcode area. Retailers won’t love you for it.
4. Misaligned Genre Messaging
A cutesy blurb on the back of a dark thriller? Instant confusion. Make sure your tone matches your story and genre conventions.
A Few Design FAQS for the Curious
Naturally, there will be questions that you want answers to. Let’s take a look at what common questions new authors have about the book cover.
1. What is the best format for a book cover?
- eBook: JPEG or PNG (300 dpi)
- Print: PDF with bleed and spine included
2. What size should a book cover design be?
Depends on trim size and page count. For example, a 6″ x 9″ book with 200 pages needs a cover around 12.52″ x 9.25″ including bleed.
3. How do authors create book covers?
Many use tools like Canva, Photoshop, or hire pros. (And yes, Wright Book Associates can point you in the right direction if you’re stuck.)
4. How do I find someone to design a book cover?
Use freelance platforms (Reedsy, Fiverr) or work with a trusted editorial service that offers Book Cover Design Services tailored to your genre.
5. Do book cover illustrators get royalties?
Usually not—most are paid a flat fee unless otherwise agreed. Always sign a clear contract.
6. Do authors have control over their covers?
Self-published authors: yes. Traditionally published authors: often limited input, but it varies by publisher.
Final Note
So, back to where we started: what should be on the back cover of a book design? In short—only what matters. A great blurb, clean layout, essential business elements, and just enough personality to invite a reader in.
It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s about making sure the back of your book supports your front-line goal: getting someone to turn the first page.
At Wright Book Associates, we’ve helped countless authors refine both their words and their visual branding. And while we won’t shout about our services too loudly, know that when you need clarity, structure, and expert support, we’re right here.