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Cover

Creating a cover for your book is one of the most crucial steps in the publishing process. After all, the front cover of your book is often the first thing potential readers will see, and an attractive book cover can mean the difference between success and oblivion. In this guide, we show that creating book covers doesn’t have to be difficult. We provide tips and techniques to give your book that irresistible allure.

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Book cover design

A cover of a book, whether soft cover, hard cover or ring binder, is always represented in a single file that includes the front and back cover and, if applicable, the spine. The number of pages affects the thickness of the book, which in turn affects the width of the book spine. This width depends not only on the number of pages, but also on the type of paper used. In the case of a ring binder, the traditional spine is missing. Instead, the draft document will include markings that serve as guidelines for cutting off the individual front and back sides

Cover tool: calculate spine thickness

Width mm
Height mm
Number of pages
Paper type & weight
Binding Method

Delivery specifications

Preferred format

Preferably provide a certified PDF. You can create these with graphics software such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Photoshop. If you do not have access to these tools, consider enlisting the expertise of a graphic designer. We can also offer support in this.

File format

Avoid RGB files; a correct print file contains only CMYK colours, possibly supplemented with PMS colours for specific colour nuances.

Texts

For black text, make sure it is pure black and not composed of CMYK components.

Cutting margin

Provide a cutting margin of at least 3 mm around each page

Resolution

Use a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for all your images to avoid blurring

Cutting and folding lines

It is not necessary to add cut and fold lines to your file; this information is provided in the print proof.

Line thickness

Maintain a minimum line thickness of 0.25 mm.

Barcode

The barcode should consist of black only, without the use of full-colour (CMYK).

Deep black print

For a rich, deep black, add 40% cyan, 40% magenta, and 30% yellow in addition to black.

White on overprint

Prevent white elements from being set to overpressure.

Additional operations

For special edits, such as embossing, supply a separate print file with identical dimensions to the cover. Clearly name the file after the edit (e.g. “preeg.PDF”).

Colour profiles

The profile selected must match the paper type.
Use an ‘uncoated’ profile for uncoated paper
Use a ‘coated’ profile for coated paper.

Softcover specific instructions:

Inside

A single-page PDF with 5 mm bleed.

Cover

A spread with our specified spine thickness and 5 mm bleed.

Softcover specific instructions:

Inside

A single-page PDF with 5 mm bleed.

Endpapers
(front and rear)

Each one PDF with four pages and 5mm bleed.

Cover

A spread based on our supplied working drawing.

By following these instructions, you will ensure smooth and efficient processing of your book cover.

Ready to bring your book cover to life? Start using our handy cover tool today and give your book the allure it deserves! Feel free to contact us, we are happy to help you every step of the book printing process.

Why is the cover of your book so important?

The cover of your book acts as the visual sales pitch. It tells at a glance what your book is about, attracts attention, and sets your work apart from thousands of other titles. A well-designed book front cover can generate interest, evoke emotions, and communicate the essence of your story or message.

Elements of an effective book cover

When creating a cover for your book, there are several elements to consider:
Title and subtitle: Make sure the title and any subtitle are clearly legible, even in small image sizes.
Imagery: Images or illustrations should reflect the content or theme of the book and be visually appealing.
Font and Colour Use: Fonts and colours contribute to the overall feel of your book cover. Choose these carefully to set the right tone.
Author name: The author’s name should be prominent but not overpowering.
Steps to create a book cover
Inspiration and research: Look at book covers within your genre for inspiration. What works well and what doesn’t?
Design concepts: Brainstorm different concepts that could represent your book well. Consider sketching or creating a mood board.
Choice of Software or Designer: Decide whether to design the cover yourself using software such as Adobe InDesign or Photoshop, or to enlist the help of a professional designer.
Collect feedback: Show your draft concepts to a small group of readers or fellow writers for feedback.
Final Adjustments: Use the feedback collected to refine your design.

Tips for an unforgettable book cover

Simplicity: An overly busy cover can be distracting. Simplicity can be more powerful.
Target audience: Keep your audience in mind. What appeals to them?
Uniqueness: Try to make your book front cover distinctive within your genre.
Creating the cover of your book is a creative process that is just as important as writing the book itself. An effective book cover attracts readers, sparks interest, and prompts purchase. By taking the time to create a thoughtful and attractive cover, you take an important step towards the success of your book

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