How to Design the Back Cover of Your Book

Overview: The back cover of your book is just as important as the front cover, as it provides readers with additional information and often determines whether they’ll pick up your book. For illustrated books, the back cover should include a brief book blurb, illustrations that match the book’s theme, and your ISBN barcode. In this article, we’ll guide you through designing the back cover of your illustrated book and provide tips for creating a visually appealing and informative layout.

Essential Elements to Include on a Book’s Back Cover

When designing the back cover for your book, make sure to include the following elements:

• Book Blurb – The book blurb is a short description of your story, typically 100-150 words. It should provide a brief overview of the plot, introduce the main character(s), and hint at the main conflict or theme of the book. Use engaging language that draws readers in and makes them want to read more.
• Illustrations – Use illustrations that complement the story and match the style of the book’s interior. These could be small decorative elements, like borders or icons, or a more detailed illustration related to the story’s theme or characters.
• ISBN Barcode – Include the ISBN barcode at the bottom right or left corner of the back cover. The ISBN barcode is essential for tracking and selling your book and should be clearly visible and scannable.
• Author Bio or Quote (Optional) – If space allows, consider adding a short author bio or a quote from the book or a review. This can provide additional context and credibility to the book.

Design and Layout Tips for the Back Cover

Here are some design and layout tips to help you create an engaging and professional back cover for your illustrated book:

1. Use Consistent Fonts and Colors

Maintain consistency with the fonts and colors used on the front cover and throughout the book. This creates a cohesive look and reinforces the book’s branding.

• Font Choices: Use the same fonts for the book blurb and any other text elements. The font size should be smaller than the title font on the front cover but still easy to read.
• Color Scheme: Choose colors that complement the illustrations and match the overall theme of the book. Avoid using too many different colors, as this can make the design look cluttered.

2. Arrange Text and Images with Visual Hierarchy

Create a clear visual hierarchy by arranging text and images in a way that guides the reader’s eye through the content. The book blurb should be the most prominent element, followed by the ISBN barcode and any additional illustrations or text.

• Blurb Placement: Place the book blurb near the top or center of the back cover, leaving space for illustrations and the ISBN barcode below.
• ISBN Barcode Placement: Position the ISBN barcode at the bottom corner of the back cover. Ensure it is not obstructed by any illustrations or text.

3. Leave Room for White Space

Use white space strategically to keep the design clean and uncluttered. White space around the book blurb and illustrations helps emphasize these elements and makes the back cover easier to read.

4. Use Illustrations to Enhance the Design

Illustrations on the back cover should complement the front cover and interior illustrations without overwhelming the text. Consider using smaller, simpler illustrations that add visual interest and reflect the book’s style.

5. Preview and Print a Test Copy

Before finalizing your back cover design, preview it to ensure readability and visual appeal. Print a test copy to see how the colors and text look in print and make any necessary adjustments.

Best Practices for Writing a Book Blurb

• Keep It Short and Engaging – The book blurb should be concise, engaging, and provide just enough information to intrigue readers without giving away too much. Aim for 100-150 words.
• Focus on the Main Character and Conflict – Introduce the main character and provide a hint of the main conflict or challenge they face. This gives readers a reason to invest in the story.
• Use Language That Matches the Book’s Tone – Write the blurb in a tone that reflects the book’s style and target audience. For example, use playful language for children’s books or more serious language for educational books.
• End with a Hook – Conclude the blurb with a hook or question that leaves readers wanting more. This could be a hint at what’s to come or an open-ended question related to the story.