Did you know that a survey in America found that 70% of readers purchase books based on their covers, while the remaining buy a book based on its typography, visuals, and attractive illustrations? As a first-time author, this may sound tricky to you. But when it comes to creating a book cover, first of all, it must be custom-made for your book. This is when the book starts coming together.

Your hard work for writing the book has now come to an end, and it is time to add the pretty visuals and creative illustrations to the cover of the moos to bind it all together. This is when the finishing touches are gold.

But what if you are not an artist? Or have no idea what to add to the cover?

If these questions linger in your head, you have come to the right place, so continue reading. Here, in this guide, you will learn how to create a custom eBook cover or book cover, even as a first-time author. You do not need to be an artist to do so. Let’s learn all the tips and tricks for creating a custom book cover.

Are eBook Covers Important?

Are eBook covers important? That goes without question that they are. Your eBook cover creates the first visual representation of what your story is about. While the popular saying goes, “Do not judge a book by its cover.” it is still important to add one. An eBook cover helps attract your potential readers, reflects your eBook content, and acts as an aid in imagination. It is difficult to create one, but it takes dedication and a keen eye to create an eBook cover that resonates with your genre.

When you decide to launch a book, the cover adds to the marketing aspect. A blank cover won’t really attract many readers. While it may spark curiosity in a few, the majority will view the cover. While there are many eBook cover-creating tools on the internet, it can be tough to create one completely on your own, especially if you are new to the whole concept. These tools may also include AI-generating features. While this may sound tempting, it comes with a price. It will lack originality, and you will still need the help of a professional to create an eBook cover that is truly original to your eBook.

Read more: What is Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing?

8 Custom Book Cover Tips for First-time Authors

Let’s get down into business with these effective tips to help you create a custom book cover or a custom eBook cover for your project. They are quick and simple, and the best part is you do not have to be alone in achieving this. Sometimes, book cover DIY tools are not the smartest paths to choose from. So, let’s see what tips can help you with your custom book cover.

1. Define Your Book’s Theme

Your book cover should reflect the heart of your story or subject matter. For fiction, consider the mood—romantic, mysterious, or adventurous—and make sure that it aligns with the genre. For non-fiction, think about conveying authority, expertise, or approachability. Start by summarizing the central idea of your book and brainstorming symbols, colors, and imagery that best represent it. The clearer your theme, the easier it is to design a cover that resonates with your target audience.

2. Be Inspired by Successful Covers in Your Genre

Study popular book covers in your genre to understand what appeals to readers. Look at typography, imagery, and layout trends. While you don’t want to copy, recognizing patterns helps make sure your cover is visually competitive. For instance, fantasy covers often use ornate fonts and mythical imagery, while thrillers lean toward stark contrasts and bold lettering. Use these insights to create a design that fits while maintaining originality.

More to know: How to Become a Bestseller eBook Author on Amazon

3. Work with a Professional Graphic Designer

Hiring a professional graphic designer can make a world of difference. Designers bring expertise in color theory, composition, and typography, making sure that your book stands out. Share your vision, target audience, and examples of covers you admire. Collaborating with a designer allows you to bring your concept to life in a polished and professional way. Remember, a compelling book cover is an investment in your book’s success.

4. Set Up the Correct Dimensions and Resolution

Proper dimensions and resolution are crucial for a cover that looks great in print and online. Research the size specifications required by publishers or platforms, such as Amazon Kindle or IngramSpark. For high-quality printing, use a resolution of at least 300 DPI (dots per inch). A correctly sized and formatted cover guarantees that no critical design elements are cropped or distorted during production.

Are you aware of these common mistakes? Read here: Common eBook Writing Mistakes to Avoid

5. Design the Cover Layout

The layout includes the arrangement of the title, author name, tagline, and imagery. Balance is key— make sure that no single element overwhelms the design. The title should be clear and readable at a glance, even when displayed as a thumbnail online. Experiment with alignment, spacing, and font styles to achieve an attractive, organized look. Remember, the layout should guide the viewer’s eyes naturally, from the title to the supporting elements.

6. Prepare Your Book for Upload and Distribution

Before uploading your book cover to publishing platforms, double-check all specifications, including color mode (CMYK for print, RGB for digital) and file format (usually PDF or JPEG). Test how the cover looks in both thumbnail and full-size views. This step makes sure your cover maintains its visual appeal across different devices and platforms. Verify that all text is legible and free from typos, as small errors can affect credibility.

7. You Don’t Have to Do It Yourself

Creating a professional-quality book cover can be challenging, especially for first-time authors. If design isn’t your strong suit, consider outsourcing to professional design agencies specializing in book covers. They can take your ideas and transform them into a market-ready cover. Focus on your writing while letting experts handle the design for a final product that reflects your vision.

8. Choose Colors That Evoke Emotion

Colors play a powerful role in conveying the mood of your book. Warm tones like red and orange can signify passion or danger, while cool tones like blue and green evoke calm or mystery. Use color psychology to choose a palette that aligns with your book’s theme. For example, a self-help book might use uplifting colors like yellow, while a crime novel could incorporate dark, moody tones. Consistent color choices can also help establish your brand as an author.

9. Select Fonts That Reflect Your Book’s Tone

Typography plays a critical role in expressing your book’s tone. A historical novel might use elegant serif fonts, while a modern thriller benefits from bold sans-serif styles. Avoid overused fonts like Comic Sans, and make sure that all text is readable and complementary to the imagery.

Here is a helpful read for you: How to Write a Business Book: A Detailed Guide

10. Add Subtle Texture and Depth

Textures, gradients, or subtle patterns can add dimension to your book cover, making it visually compelling. For instance, using a weathered texture for a historical fiction novel or glossy gradients for a futuristic theme can elevate the design. Make sure these elements don’t overwhelm the primary focus.

11. Consider the Spine and Back Cover

If your book will be printed, remember that the spine and back cover are just as important as the front. The spine should clearly display the title and your name. The back cover should include a concise blurb, an author photo, and any endorsements or awards to entice readers.

12. Test Your Design with Your Target Audience

Before finalizing your cover, get feedback from readers who match your target audience. Share a few design options and ask for opinions on what catches their eye. Honest feedback can provide valuable insights and help you refine your cover for the greatest appeal.

A helpful read: How to Find the Right Target Audience for Your eBook [Our Top Tips]

Consider BookCreating for Your Custom Book Cover

A stunning book cover is more than just an accessory for your manuscript—it’s the face of your story, drawing readers into the world you’ve created. By following the tips provided above, you can create a cover that aligns with your book’s nature, appeals to your target audience, and stands out on both digital and physical bookshelves.

Key Takeaways for Crafting a Remarkable Book Cover

• Focus on Theme: Your cover should encapsulate the mood and essence of your story.
• Simplify for Impact: A clean, minimal design often leaves the most memorable impression.
• Research Your Genre: Study successful covers in your category to understand what works.
• Work with Experts: Collaboration with skilled designers can bring a professional touch to your cover.

Action Steps to Bring Your Cover to Life

Initial Steps:

• Define your theme and target audience.
• Research other book covers in your genre for inspiration.
• Create a mood board to consolidate your vision.

Collaboration and Finalization:

• Choose a professional graphic designer or create mock-ups yourself.
• Experiment with fonts, layouts, and imagery to find the right combination.
• Test the design with a focus group or potential readers for feedback.

“A book cover is a door; make sure it invites readers to step inside and explore your story.”

Next Steps with BookCreating

Ready to turn your book cover vision into reality? At BookCreating, we specialize in designing covers that captivate and communicate the essence of your story. Whether you’re self-publishing or preparing for a major launch, our team of expert designers is here to guide you every step of the way. Let us help you create a cover that resonates with your audience and advances your book’s potential. Contact BookCreating today and make your cover unforgettable!