Paperback Book Covers for KDP

Paperback Book Covers

Many self-published authors start with ebooks and eventually decide to publish a hardcover or paperback book as well. The benefits are tremendous, as Amazon will automatically pair your ebook with the paperback version, making your listing look professional. Plus, there’s nothing quite like holding a paperback copy of your book in your hands.

Another benefit is that the paperback page count is displayed alongside the ebook, making the ebook appear more substantial.

What I Need to Design Your Paperback Cover

  1. The chosen book size – for example, 5″ x 8″, 6″ x 9″, or 5.25″ x 8″.
  2. The paper color – cream or white (cream is slightly thicker).
  3. The page count – this determines the spine width and is essential for the design.
  4. The back blurb – the text for the back of your book cover.

Cost: $75 for a full wrap PDF paperback print-ready cover.

Samples of My Work

View More Samples

Publishing Through IngramSpark

Another option is to publish your paperback book through IngramSpark. For more details on creating covers for IngramSpark, please visit the IngramSpark cover page.

Important Notes About Paperback Covers

  • Designed strictly in 300 dpi (not 72 dpi, as some ebook covers are).
  • Include a back and spine in addition to the front cover, creating a double-page layout.
  • Normally designed in CMYK color mode, which may alter colors compared to the RGB format used for ebook covers.
  • Require scaling of text and images to suit the larger format, often reducing boldness compared to the ebook cover.
  • May include additional details, as paperback covers aren’t viewed as thumbnails like ebook covers.
  • Must have bleed lines to accommodate printing shifts.
  • Should adhere to ink percentage limits (e.g., 300%) based on the printer’s requirements.
  • May require adjustments to proportions depending on the book size selected.
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