Ask Nicola Q&A: Secrets to creating a super book back cover

How to come up with a book back cover design in 4 easy steps

Hi and welcome to Forever Young Autobiographies – Ask Nicola.

As a writing coach I’m asked many questions about planning, writing, polishing and publishing life stories for family and friends.

And in this series I show how I help new writers just like you!

So this week’s Ask Nicola answers this question:

I’m nearly ready to publish my autobiography for family and friends! Do I need to design a book back cover? If so what do I need to keep in mind?

Firstly, fantastic news you are so close to publishing your autobiography, memoir, biography or life-story!

And well done for being committed and dedicated to sit down, write and complete such a worthwhile project.

Certainly, yes, there are a number of things to keep in mind when considering your book back cover.

Let’s take a look …

1 Should I have a book back cover?

The aim of a book back cover is to build on the front cover by telling a bit about the book.

That is to say, think of it like a book’s movie trailer.

Most importantly, a book back cover is essential if a book is going to be sold.

However, it is not so critical if a book is for a private audience.

While a well-thought-out front cover is non-negotiable, I think choosing to prepare a back cover comes down to personal preferences.

This includes: intended audience, time, budget and design options.

In short, if you can manage a book back cover do it.

But if not, it won’t be the end of the world.

Instead focus on making your front cover better.

Your Family Stories System. Father and girl on his shoulders with arms spread wide at the beach.

2 Written elements of a back cover

Of course a well-designed book back cover needs words but specifically what type of words?

Indeed, it is a very tough ask to summarise a whole book into a few paragraphs!

Therefore I suggest breaking the task down according to the following ‘formula’:

Blurb

3-6 sentences on what the book is about and why it is appealing to readers. For example: what will they learn, key themes and ideas.

About the author

A short bio of about 2-3 sentences that helps a reader get to know a writer and entice them to read on. Can include things like: credentials, past books, region where you live, interests and a small headshot.

Quote

If possible, it is nice to have a notable figure write a sentence or two endorsing the book. This will add to its credibility, also called social proof.

But what about digital books or dust jackets?

Basically the same information on a book back cover can be replicated in long form in other places.

For a digital book compile the bio into an ‘about the author’ page and quotes into a ‘praise’ page placed at the beginning or end.

Meanwhile, for a dust jacket put the blurb plus bio on the flaps and quotes on the back.

Related article – Book covers: How to create a memorable cover design

3 Design elements of a book back cover

Phew, you have your words written so now it is time to lay everything out on your book back cover.

Firstly get ideas for layout by looking critically at life-story books you have at home, in the library, at the book shop or online.

Indeed, very quickly you will discover what you like and what is ‘on trend’.

Typical design elements include:

Photo or imagery

This should tie in with the cover to look like a ‘complete package’. For example, an image and/or background that extends from the front cover around to the back.

Tagline

This is a short catchy or intriguing headline at the top of the blurb. Can partially describe the book or even be a quote from the book.

Barcode

Usually only for a publisher’s reference if a book is printed privately for friends and family. Otherwise a barcode is used to calculate price at point of sale for books publicly available.

4 How to design a back cover

Did you know a front cover, book spine and book back cover are combined into one image or file?

So back covers will usually be put together when designing a front cover!

Importantly, the exact dimension of this ‘covers’ file will vary according to a book’s spine width, which is dictated by: trim size, page type and number of pages.

Therefore, once you have this page information you can use a book cover generator (like this one by IngramSpark) to get exact file dimensions to start designing.

Of course, you can design the cover yourself if you, a friend or relative have these skills.

Indeed, I use and can recommend Canva if you want a free design program to get started.

Canva also offers many book cover templates.

Or you can find a freelance book designer at Upwork or Fiverr.

And finally, a number of online companies also offer book cover services such as Book Design Templates or Self Pub.

Related article – How to get your own book printed without going crazy!

Final Say: Book back cover

Writing a book takes much time and dedication.

So it is only fitting it has covers that do all this effort justice!

While a cover attracts a reader, a book back cover convinces them to read on.

Therefore, if you decide to create a book back cover you need to prepare: written elements, design elements, and think about whether you will do the design yourself or get help.

Most importantly, it is key to remember everyone’s life-story book will be different depending on time, energy, budget and wishes.

However, hopefully all writers will be united in feeling happy and proud about how their books turn out.

Happy writing!

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This article first appeared on the website Forever Young Autobiographies.com.