Your book’s back cover is a powerful marketing tool. It’s often the first thing readers see when deciding whether to purchase your book. A well-designed back cover can capture attention, convey the essence of your book, and persuade potential readers to take the next step—buying it! Whether you’re self-publishing or working with a publisher, here are five simple steps to create an engaging and effective back cover for your book.
1. Craft a Compelling Book Description
The most important element of your book’s back cover is the blurb—a concise, engaging summary of your book that hooks the reader. This isn’t a full synopsis but rather a teaser that gives just enough detail to spark curiosity.
Tips for writing your book blurb:
Start with a hook—one or two sentences that grab the reader’s attention. Introduce the main character, conflict, or theme. Use powerful, evocative language to create intrigue. End with a cliffhanger or question that makes the reader want more.
For example, if you’ve written a thriller:
“A detective on the brink of retirement gets one last case—one that could expose a deadly secret or cost him his life.”
Keep it short and punchy—aim for 100-150 words.
2. Highlight Author Credentials or Reviews
A strong endorsement or a brief author bio can enhance your book’s credibility. If you have a notable review from a magazine, bestselling author, or influencer, include it near the top.
Examples:
“A heart-pounding masterpiece! A must-read for fans of fast-paced thrillers.” – BookReviewMag “An inspiring journey of resilience and triumph.” – NYT Bestselling Author Jane Doe
If you don’t have reviews, include a brief author bio that highlights your expertise or connection to the book’s subject matter.
Example for a memoir: Jane Smith is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times and The Guardian. This is her powerful story of survival and redemption.
3. Design with Eye-Catching Typography and Layout
Your back cover should be visually appealing and easy to read. Use a font style and size that match the genre and tone of your book.
Design tips: Keep fonts clear and professional—avoid overused or hard-to-read styles. Use bold or italicized text to highlight key phrases. Leave enough white space for a clean, uncluttered look. Ensure the text contrasts well with the background for readability.
Example: A thriller might use bold, sharp typography, while a romance novel could have a softer, elegant script.
4. Include a Barcode and ISBN
Every book needs an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and barcode for retail distribution. If you’re self-publishing, you can purchase an ISBN from Bowker (in the U.S.) or your country’s ISBN agency.
Placement: The barcode is typically placed in the bottom right or left corner of the back cover. Many platforms, like Amazon KDP, provide a free barcode when you upload your book.
5. Add a Call to Action
Encourage readers to take the next step! A simple call to action (CTA) can guide them toward buying your book.
Examples of CTAs: Visit www.YourWebsite.com for exclusive content and updates! Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your favorite bookstore! Start your journey today—grab your copy now!
Final Thoughts
Your back cover is prime real estate for selling your book. By crafting a compelling blurb, adding credibility with reviews or an author bio, designing for readability, including a barcode, and finishing with a strong CTA, you’ll create a book back cover that captivates readers and drives sales.
Ready to publish? Start designing your book’s back cover today and make a lasting impression on your audience!
