How to Design a Back Book Cover

The last time you picked up a new book, chances are you first read its back cover. And why not? This is where you glimpse the story, the author, and sometimes testimonials—all key details that help you decide if the book is for you!

Likewise, your own book’s back cover should be an overview of your masterpiece. That way, potential readers will know if it’s right for their next read.

If you want to learn more about how to design a back book cover, read on!

Why is the back cover of a book so important?

Your book’s front cover might be what first catches a reader’s eye, but it’s the back cover that makes them want to enjoy every word inside its pages.

Think of the back cover as your elevator pitch. In just a few lines, it tells potential readers what your book is about, your writing style, and why they should dive right in.

Because a back cover plays a key role in your book marketing strategy, it deserves your time and attention. Take the time to refine your copy. Consider investing in a professional cover designer. The stronger your back cover, the more likely readers are to open the book and keep reading.

Elements of a great book back cover

A well-designed, thought-out book cover is a useful tool for attracting readers. Here are some important elements you should include:

Book description

Your book description should hook readers in thirty seconds or less. Skip the full synopsis and focus on piquing curiosity by highlighting central details while conveying the tone and style of your writing.

You’re the storyteller, but writing a manuscript with a main character and a complex plot is different from crafting a paragraph-long book description. That’s why many authors hire professional book description writers to craft the summary.

If you write it yourself, try to separate yourself from the manuscript and think about what will entice readers to open your book. As you write, consider these helpful tips:

Fiction:

• Keep it short, punchy, and intriguing—just enough to pique readers’ curiosity.
• Hint at the emotions your story will evoke.
• Match the tone of your description to the voice of your book.

Nonfiction:

• Call out any questions or challenges your book addresses.
• Show readers the value they’ll get.
• Highlight clear, tangible takeaways.

Book tagline

A compelling tagline is your chance to make readers curious about the story inside. It’s short, punchy, and typically located at the top of the back cover, where it’s sure to grab attention.

What does a great tagline do? Here are just a few things:

• Captures the mood or theme of your story
• Hints at the stakes without giving everything away
• Uses evocative language that sparks curiosity
• Sometimes quotes a powerful line from the book or highlights a glowing review

Your tagline should invite readers to open your book. Have fun and get creative! But make sure it’s also clear and easy to read at a glance. Most importantly, take your time—the right tagline can get you more readers.

Testimonials

Reviews help readers know if your book is worth buying. The more testimonials you have from credible sources, the more people will want to read your book.

Large bookstores look at testimonials too. If you have credible reviews on your book’s back cover, they’re more likely to purchase a few copies.

For your back cover, use one or two sentences from two or three of the strongest testimonials. Make sure they stand out from other elements, such as through a different font size or color.

A note on getting testimonials for your book

A few ways to get great testimonials? Start by simply encouraging family, friends, and early readers to leave honest reviews online to build initial momentum.

It’s an even better idea to start getting testimonials before your book is published. By sending advanced reader copies (ARCs) or galleys to authors and reviews in your genre, you can secure endorsements that go right on your book cover, website, or other marketing material. Having just a few strong testimonials in place from day one gives your book a huge head start.

Author bio and photo

Your author photo could be the first time your readers see an image of their next favorite writer. So try to show your personality in a way that reflects the tone of your book. For example, a colorful, friendly photo suits a children’s fiction book, while a more serious, composed image fits nonfiction with weighty themes.

As for the description, keep it at or under three hundred words. That’s enough to let interested readers know who you are without taking up too much space. And get creative when writing your author bio—let the reader see your personality as well as your credentials.

ISBN barcode

Your publisher or self-publishing company can usually create this for you; it’s a standard addition for all fiction and nonfiction book covers. An ISBN, or International Standard Book Number, is basically a unique ID that distinguishes your specific book edition and format, helping bookstores, retailers, and libraries identify and track it easily.

Examples of great back cover designs

Need inspiration for your back cover? Here are a few creative ways successful books engage readers.

Match the front cover’s vibe

Some book covers carry their personality from front to back. A dark humor collection, for instance, might use quirky fonts or graphics to mirror its irreverent tone.

Use imagery creatively

A historical novel set at sea might use nautical elements like ship ropes or weathered textures, setting the mood quickly.

Play with expectations

A Southern Gothic title could reveal a “hidden” detail of the artwork on the back, hinting at secrets woven into the story.

Extend the cover art

Books exploring layered realities or spiritual journeys often continue their front cover’s color palettes or visual themes onto the back, creating a seamless visual experience.

Blend story and function

High fantasy or adventure stories may feature illustrations like circuitry or mythical beings that guide the eye toward the description, making the design feel interactive.

Reimagine reviews

Memoirs or graphic novels can use visual devices like speech bubbles or icons to display testimonials, highlighting them in a way that feels new and fresh.

Experiment with color and typography

Nonfiction or memoir titles may use bold color schemes to set the tone, while careful typesetting makes taglines and author information pop.

Unify visual motifs

Books rooted in philosophy or culture might echo key cover symbols—such as an origami boat or a wave—on the back to visually reinforce the title’s message.

Remember, there’s no single “right” way to design a back cover. The most effective designs carry the story’s mood, style, and visual identity across both sides to entice the reader.

Frequently asked questions about book back covers

Still have questions? Here are our best answers to some of the most frequently asked ones.

Where should the book’s price go?

The price is typically in the bottom left or right corner of the back cover (usually near the barcode). Some printers may have specific placement requirements, so double-check with them before finalizing your layout.

Do I have to match the back cover font to my book’s interior?

Nope! Consistency is important, but your back cover font doesn’t need to match your interior text. Choose a typeface that fits your overall design style and is easy to read.

Can I include images or graphics on the back cover?

Absolutely—background images, author photos, or small design elements can further emphasize the tone of your book. Just remember to let the book description, testimonials, and author bio remain the focus—don’t overcrowd the space.

Do I need an ISBN and barcode?

Yes, if you want to sell your book through retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or local bookstores. Most self-publishing services, like IngramSpark or KDP, offer a free ISBN and barcode.

What should go on the book spine?

The spine should include the title, your name, and the publisher’s name and logo, if applicable. Make sure the spine aligns with your cover design in color, typography, and tone. It’s a key visual element, especially for bookstores and libraries, where the spine is often the first thing readers see.

What software can I use to design my back cover?

Professional designers often use Adobe Creative Cloud. For DIY authors, online programs like Canva are a great place to start. Most self-publishing services also provide templates that include front, back, and spine dimensions, along with formatting guidelines. Be sure to follow them closely!

A great book deserves a great back cover

Your book’s back cover needs to reflect the story within. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a simple or complex book cover design, Elite Authors can create an amazing book back cover for you.

Learn more about our award-winning book cover design services!