How to Design a Self-Published Book Cover

When you’re self-publishing, you’re going to make dozens of decisions—from editing to formatting to pricing. But few will matter more than your cover. It’s the first thing people see, and it’s doing the hard work of convincing someone to stop scrolling, click “Look Inside,” or buy your book. A striking cover is essential for attracting attention and standing out in a crowded market.

Your cover makes a crucial first impression that influences your book’s credibility.

Whether you hire someone or decide to DIY, your cover needs to nail it. Here’s what you need to know to get it right.

Why Your Cover Matters More Than You Think

It’s uncomfortable, but it’s true: people absolutely judge books by their covers. Readers often take just a few seconds to decide if something is worth their time. Your cover has to communicate genre, tone, and professionalism in seconds. A strong book cover directly contributes to your book’s success by increasing visibility and appeal to potential readers.

In traditional publishing, a polished cover is expected—publishers manage cover design to align with market positioning and maximize chances of success. In self-publishing, it’s even more important because readers are cautious. A clean, genre-appropriate cover signals that you’ve taken your work seriously, and that they can too.

The book title and cover design work hand in hand to grab a reader’s attention and set the tone for your story.

Your title and cover should reflect your book’s content and genre at a glance, working together to communicate what readers can expect inside.

corners of four book and magazine covers

Option 1: Hiring a Professional Cover Designer

If your budget allows, hire a book cover designer. A solid designer understands graphic design, knows what works for your genre, has a strong grasp of visual hierarchy, and can handle platform specs (print vs. digital, trim sizes, spine width, bleed, etc.).

Yes, it’s an investment—anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on experience, project complexity, and revision rounds. But it’s also your book’s best chance at being seen. If it drives even a few extra sales a week, it can pay for itself.

If you go this route, research designers who work in your genre and look at their portfolios. Read client reviews to get a sense of their process and responsiveness to feedback. Give them a clear, concise brief about your vision, but also be open to their expertise—they’ve done this before and know what works. When interviewing potential designers, ask if they handle barcode placement (if needed) and whether they’re familiar with platform specs for KDP, IngramSpark, or Lulu. These technical details matter, and you want someone who knows them inside out.

Option 2: Designing It Yourself

Plenty of authors choose the DIY route, especially in genres like romance, fantasy, or sci-fi, where genre-specific visuals matter. Book cover design is the process of creating and customizing the visual appearance of your cover for different formats, like paperback and ebooks. It’s doable, but there’s definitely a learning curve.

  • Tools you can use

You don’t need Adobe Photoshop, though it’s a strong option. Canva Pro is very popular and handles most specs automatically. Affinity Publisher and GIMP are alternatives, though they take more time to learn.

  • What you’ll need to learn

Basic design principles like contrast, hierarchy, spacing, and alignment form the foundation of good cover design. Font pairing is crucial—use no more than two fonts and keep readability high. You’ll also need to understand trim and bleed specs for print books, and how to export files at the right resolution and size. Make sure your cover files are suitable for both paperback and ebooks, as each format has specific requirements. It sounds like a lot, but there are plenty of tutorials online, and most tools have built-in guides to help.

  • Image sources

Stick to commercial-use images. Free sites like Pexels and Pixabay are fine for some genres, but you may need to invest in quality stock photos from Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Be sure the license covers book covers—especially for print. This is worth paying for because it protects you legally and gives you access to better quality images. Using a free image increases the chances of another author using the exact same image for their cover.

  • Feedback is crucial

Don’t rely on your friends or spouse. Get real feedback from readers in your genre. Post mockups in author groups or ask beta readers for their honest thoughts. You want input from people who understand the market. They’ll catch things you won’t notice because you’ve been staring at the design too long.

man and woman's legs spattered in paint from remodeling

DIY? Here’s What to Watch For

Keep it simple. Your design needs to work at thumbnail size on Amazon, where most potential readers will see it first. If the design is too busy, it becomes unreadable at small sizes.

Fonts matter. Stay away from overly decorative fonts that might look trendy now but feel dated in a year. Match your font style to your genre. A thriller might use bold, sans-serif fonts for a sense of urgency, while a cozy mystery could use softer, script-like fonts to convey warmth.

Respect genre conventions. Know what’s selling in your genre.

Don’t copy other covers, but align with reader expectations. Readers want to know what kind of story they’re buying, and your cover should give them that signal immediately.

Use color with intention. Bold colors often work for thrillers or romance. Cool tones can feel more literary. Think about what your ideal reader expects to see when browsing their favorite category.

Print a proof. Digital colors don’t always match printed versions. Order a proof copy and check how your cover looks in your hands, making adjustments as needed before you go live. This small investment can save you from a major disappointment.

The Hybrid Option

You can also go with a premade cover template from a professional designer and customize the text. This option is especially appealing for indie authors who want a professional look without the hefty custom design price tag. Sites like Reedsy, Creative Market, The Book Cover Designer, and Etsy offer strong pre-mades. You get the benefit of professional design work while maintaining control and keeping costs down. When deciding between custom and premade covers, consider your publishing goals to ensure your choice aligns with your overall strategy.

Getting Your Book Ready for Kindle Direct Publishing

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) has become the go-to platform for self-publishing authors wanting to publish in digital format. Beyond your cover, you’ll need to format your manuscript according to KDP’s specific guidelines, including font, margins, and line spacing. KDP provides templates and easy-to-use tools to help, making it accessible even if you’re new to publishing. For a flawless finish, consider hiring a professional formatter who can help you avoid common pitfalls. Proper formatting is essential for a smooth reading experience and professional presentation—two things that make a difference in how readers receive your book.

illustration in a children's book

Interior Design Matters Too

While a great cover draws readers in, the interior design keeps them turning the pages. In self-publishing, you control every aspect of your book’s interior—chapter headings, font styles, margins, and spacing. A well-designed interior looks professional and makes your book easier and more enjoyable to read. Consider working with a professional book interior designer who understands book layout nuances, or use online tools and templates if you prefer a hands-on approach. Remember that a polished interior is just as important as a striking cover in delivering a quality reading experience.

Building Your Author Platform

Building a strong author platform and online presence is essential for reaching more readers and growing your audience. Start with a professional author website showcasing your books and connecting with fans. Social media accounts are key tools for engaging with readers and building your brand.

A comprehensive marketing plan should include blogging, email marketing, and active participation in reader communities.

By consistently promoting your work and interacting with your audience, you’ll increase visibility in the book world and attract more readers. A strong online presence not only helps with book marketing but also establishes you as a professional in the publishing industry.

A Few Final Notes

  • Check file requirements carefully. KDP and IngramSpark have different cover specs, and uploading the wrong format can delay your launch. Make sure you’re uploading the right size and format for each platform, and plan your cover upload around your release date to maximize buzz.
  • Add your barcode properly. If you’re using your own ISBN, leave room for the barcode box. If you’re using KDP’s ISBN, they’ll place the barcode for you. This detail is easy to overlook but important to get right.
  • Think about accessibility. High-contrast text helps readability for all readers. It’s not just good design; it’s inclusive design.
  • Series consistency matters. If you’re writing a series, keep the look consistent across books. Fonts, layout, and color palette should match. Readers recognize series by their visual continuity, and that recognition helps with discoverability and sales.

You can always update later. If your cover isn’t pulling its weight after launch, you can revise it. That’s the beauty of self-publishing—you have flexibility that traditionally published authors don’t. Before making final design decisions, make sure your manuscript is book ready, and fact-check all cover and metadata details to avoid errors.

When budgeting for your book, remember that print-on-demand services typically have no upfront costs since fees are deducted from sales. Consider using advertising, such as the BooksGoSocial Amazon Ad package, to boost visibility and reach new readers once you launch.

The Bottom Line

Your cover is not just a design—it’s a sales tool. Make it earn its keep. Whether you hire a professional or design it yourself, remember that your cover’s job is to sell your book to the right readers. Invest time, get honest feedback, and don’t settle for something that doesn’t feel right. Your story deserves a cover that does it justice.

If you’d like someone to take care of everything for you, we’d love to be on your shortlist. Have a look at some of our work, or contact us to tell us about your self-publishing needs.