Print Cover Calculator and Templates

FAQs

What size does my KDP cover need to be?

For KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) print books, the cover size will depend on the trim size of your book. The recommended cover size for the front and back cover is determined by the trim size and the spine width, which is calculated based on the number of pages and paper type. Amazon provides cover templates based on your book's specifications, which you can use to design your cover.

How do I design my own book cover?

To design your own book cover, you can use graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva. Start by choosing the right dimensions for your book's trim size. Include the front and back cover, spine, title, author name, and any relevant images or artwork that reflect the book's content and genre. Ensure the design is eye-catching and professional.

Is Bookow free to use?

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Bookow is a premium book cover design service, and it is not free to use. They offer professional book cover design services at a cost.

How do you format a book cover?

Book cover formatting involves designing the cover according to the book's trim size, spine width, and bleed requirements. Ensure the design is high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) and use the CMYK color mode for print. Include all necessary elements like the book title, author name, artwork, and back cover information.

What is a good size for a book cover?

A standard book cover size is 6 inches x 9 inches, which is common for many paperback books. However, the actual size may vary based on your book's trim size and the number of pages.

How much bigger should a book cover be?

To account for bleed (extra image or color that extends beyond the trim edge), it's common to add an additional 0.125 inches (1/8 inch) to each side of the book cover design, resulting in a total of 0.25 inches added to the width and height of the cover.

How do I make a book cover template in Word?

Microsoft Word may not be the best tool for creating book cover templates as it's not primarily designed for graphic design. Consider using specialized design software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Canva for creating book cover templates.

Can you use Canva for a book cover?

Yes, you can use Canva to design a book cover. Canva offers templates and design tools that are user-friendly and suitable for creating book covers for both print and digital formats.

How much does it cost to get a book cover designed?

The cost of getting a book cover designed can vary significantly depending on the designer's experience, complexity of the design, and additional services provided. It can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

How do I upload a KDP cover template to Canva?

To upload a KDP cover template to Canva, you can import the template as an image file (JPG, PNG, etc.) into Canva and use it as a reference for creating your book cover design.

How do I get a barcode for a self-published book?

You can obtain a barcode for your self-published book by using an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and converting it into a barcode format. There are online barcode generators that can help you create the barcode from the ISBN.

How do I turn a photo into a book cover?

To turn a photo into a book cover, you can use graphic design software to add the necessary text, title, and other elements that suit the book's genre and content. Ensure the photo is of high resolution and suitable for print.

What are the three parts of a book cover?

The three main parts of a book cover are the front cover, spine, and back cover. The front cover contains the book title, author name, and artwork. The spine displays the book title and author name (if applicable), and the back cover often includes a blurb, author bio, and other information.

Can I format my book myself?

Yes, you can format your book yourself using word processing software like Microsoft Word or specialized formatting software. However, for more complex layouts and professional designs, you may want to consider using professional book formatting services.

What paper are book covers printed on?

Book covers are typically printed on heavy-weight paper or cardstock to ensure durability and quality. The specific type of paper used may vary depending on the book's format and printing specifications.

How many fonts should be on a book cover?

Using too many fonts can make the cover look cluttered and unprofessional. It's generally recommended to use two to three fonts for a book cover: one for the title, one for the author name, and optionally one for additional text (e.g., subtitle).

What is the layout size for a book?

The layout size for a book is determined by its trim size, which refers to the final physical dimensions of the book after trimming during the printing process. Common trim sizes include 6x9 inches and 5.5x8.5 inches.

How many pixels is a 6x9 book cover?

The number of pixels in a 6x9 book cover will depend on the desired resolution. For print, a high-resolution cover should be at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). For a 6x9 inch cover at 300 dpi, the dimensions would be 1800x2700 pixels.

What makes a book cover attractive?

An attractive book cover typically includes eye-catching artwork or images, a well-designed layout, clear and legible text, suitable color choices, and a design that reflects the genre and tone of the book.

What size should a 6x9 book cover be?

A 6x9 book cover should have dimensions of 6 inches wide by 9 inches tall, accounting for additional space for bleed and spine width.

How many colors should a book cover have?

The number of colors used on a book cover will depend on the design and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. It's common to use a limited color palette to keep the design cohesive and visually appealing.

Does Microsoft Office have a book template?

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Microsoft Office does not have specific book templates built-in. However, Microsoft Word and other Office applications offer tools and features that can be used to create book layouts and designs.

Does Microsoft have a book template?

Microsoft offers various templates for different purposes, but it may not have specific book templates in its standard collection. You may find book templates from third-party sources or use other Microsoft Office features for book formatting.

Does Microsoft Word have a book layout?

Yes, Microsoft Word provides tools and features that allow you to create book layouts and designs. You can use the page setup options, headers and footers, section breaks, and other formatting tools to structure your book.

Does Microsoft Word have a cover letter template?

Yes, Microsoft Word offers cover letter templates that you can use for creating professional cover letters for job applications and other purposes.

How do I make a good cover page in Word?

To make a good cover page in Microsoft Word, you can use page setup options to adjust the layout, add images, and format the text. Include the book title, author name, and any relevant artwork or graphics.

How do you make the first page of a book?

In a book layout, the first page is typically the title page, which includes the book title, author name, and sometimes a subtitle or other information. Use page breaks and formatting to separate the title page from the rest of the content.

Can I use free images on Canva for my book cover?

Canva provides a library of images, some of which are free to use for commercial purposes, including book covers. However, it's essential to review the licensing terms for each image to ensure compliance.

Can I use any image for my book cover?

You should use images for your book cover that you have the rights to use. Using copyrighted images without permission can lead to legal issues. You can use images from stock image websites or create your own artwork to avoid copyright violations.

Is a book cover design copyrighted?

Yes, a book cover design is automatically protected by copyright once it is created. The copyright belongs to the creator, whether it's the author, a designer, or an artist. Others cannot use the design without permission.

How many hours does it take to design a book cover?

The time it takes to design a book cover can vary depending on the complexity of the design, the designer's experience, and the number of revisions required. It could take a few hours to several days to complete a book cover design.

What is it called to design book covers?

The profession of designing book covers is often referred to as book cover design or book cover designer.

How much does a book cover illustrator cost?

The cost of hiring a book cover illustrator can vary depending on the illustrator's experience and the complexity of the artwork. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Can you use Canva book covers on KDP?

Yes, you can use book covers created on Canva for your KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) print books. Ensure that the cover meets KDP's specifications for size, resolution, and file format.

Can I use a Canva template for my book?

Yes, you can use Canva templates for your book cover design or other promotional materials. Canva offers a wide range of templates that you can customize to suit your needs.

How to do a book cover mockup on Canva?

To create a book cover mockup on Canva, you can use the "Mockup" feature in the editor. Upload your book cover design as an image and apply it to a mockup template to visualize how it will look on a book.

Does a self-published book need a barcode?

Yes, if you plan to sell your self-published book in retail stores or through online retailers, you will need a barcode on the back cover. The barcode contains the ISBN and price information.

How much does a book barcode cost?

The cost of a book barcode can vary depending on where you obtain it. Some self-publishing platforms offer barcodes as part of their services, while standalone barcode providers may charge a fee.

How much does it cost to get an ISBN number for a book?

The cost of an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) for a book can vary by country and the number of ISBNs you purchase. In some countries, it is possible to get a single ISBN for free, while purchasing a block of ISBNs may cost more.

What is the easiest site to make photo books?

Some popular websites that offer easy-to-use tools for creating photo books include Shutterfly, Mixbook, Snapfish, and Blurb.

How do I self-publish a book with pictures?

To self-publish a book with pictures, you can follow these general steps:

1. Prepare your manuscript and images in a suitable format.
2. Choose a self-publishing platform or service like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or Blurb.
3. Format your book for the chosen platform, ensuring images are of high resolution.
4. Create a book cover or hire a designer to do it for you.
5. Upload your book and cover files to the self-publishing platform.
6. Set your book's price, distribution options, and other details.
7. Publish your book and make it available for sale.

Should I put my picture on my book cover?

Whether or not to include your picture on your book cover depends on the genre and style of the book, as well as your personal branding and author platform. In some genres, author photos are common, while in others, they may be less common or not included.

What four things must a book cover design do?

A book cover design must do the following:

1. Attract attention and stand out from other books.
2. Convey the genre and tone of the book.
3. Include essential information such as the title and author name.
4. Appeal to the target audience and potential readers.

What's the first page of a book called?

The first page of a book is called the title page. It usually contains the book title, author name, and sometimes the publisher's information.

What is the end of a book cover called?

The back cover is the part of the book cover that is on the opposite side of the front cover. It usually includes a blurb, author bio, barcode, and other relevant information.