Readers who pick up a printed book often turn it over. They want to know what it is about, and they want a reason to trust it. The back cover has a few seconds to answer both.
What belongs there
1. The description. A short, punchy version of your book description, usually the strongest few paragraphs. It should end with a reason to read on.
2. A hook or tagline. One striking line at the top, which may be a question, a promise or a quotation.
3. Reviews or endorsements. One or two short quotes, if you have them. Only use quotes you have permission to use, with the source credited accurately.
4. A short author bio. Two or three lines, and a photograph if you like. It tells readers who you are, and why you can be trusted.
5. The barcode and ISBN. Leave a clear, white area for the barcode, and check that it is not too close to the edge or the spine. Your designer needs the ISBN and the final price information, if you want it printed.
6. Publisher or imprint details. If you publish under an imprint, its name or logo usually goes at the foot of the cover or the spine.
7. A web address. Your website or a short link to your mailing list, if it is easy to read.
What to leave out
- A long, dense summary. If it fills the cover, nobody will read it.
- Too many quotes. Two good ones are better than six.
- Spoilers. Never reveal the ending.
- Small text near the edge. Text must stay inside the safe margins, or it may be trimmed.
- Anything that is not true. If you are not sure of a claim, do not make it.
Layout tips
- Give the text room to breathe, with comfortable margins and a clear hierarchy.
- Keep the type large enough to read easily, and check the contrast with the background colour.
- Match the style of the front cover so that the two feel like one design.
- Check the file against the platform's template, because the position of the barcode and the trim edges differ.
Hardbacks and paperbacks differ
A paperback has a single wrap-around cover. A hardback may be printed as a case laminate, with the design printed straight onto the board, or may have a dust jacket with flaps that carry the bio and further text. Your platform's requirements and your designer's templates will say which applies, and the cover files are different for each.
Balance the words
Back covers are small, and every element competes for attention. A useful rule: if you can only keep three things, keep the hook, the description and the barcode area. Everything else is a bonus. Read the text at the printed size, because words that look fine on a monitor can feel cramped on paper.
If you are still writing your description, see how to write a book blurb that sells. The dimensions of the cover depend on your page count and trim size, which our guide to trim size, paper and finish explains.
Check before you approve
Print a proof if you can, because colours and positions often look different on paper than on screen. Check every line of text for spelling and accuracy, particularly the ISBN, the web address and any names.
Our cover design service includes the full print wrap (front, spine and back), set to your final page count, with the description and barcode area.
Want to know where your book stands?
Submit your manuscript for a free book review: the whole book, or at least the first three chapters. We'll read it and send you our feedback. There's no obligation.