How to Create KDP Book Cover on Canva
I watched one of those YouTube tutorials on how to make a book cover with Canva. I must say, it was one of the easy ones. It taught me everything I needed to know and within no time, I was able to complete a book project I was working on for Amazon Kindle. Anyway, since I can’t get you all to watch that same video, I’m going to walk you through a simple guide to design your Amazon Kindle book cover on Canva.
This tutorial is a real time journal I kept while working on my KDP eBook project. So, let’s go ahead and start our project!
Download KDP Book Cover Template
Let me start by stating that there is no point in designing a book cover if you are not sure about the specifics. Remember, your book will always be judged by its cover. At least at some point. So, you have to ensure your book cover gives a clue on the message your work intends to deliver.
Some of these specifics include:
· Background: image, color
· Trim size: 8.5 * 11 inches
· Paper color
· Page count of your book
“You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can sure sell a bunch of books if you have a good one.” ~ Jayce O’Neal
For my KDP book titled “31 Days Challenge to Build and Monetize Your Blog “, I picked the US dollar green as my background color and complimented it with a picture of a freelancer’s office set up. When it came to the trim size, I had an idea what I needed, so I picked 8.5 in by 11 inches. However, if you are not sure about the exact measurements to use, you can always use the KDP cover calculator provided by Amazon.
The next step was downloading the KDP Cover Template. This always makes things much easier in case you are going to do your cover design on canvas. Therefore:
· Google “KDP cover template”
· Pick the result indicated in the image below
· Then follow the link
· Enter your book information and click “calculate dimensions”.
· Copy and record the “Full cover” measurements. You are going to need them in Canva.
· Download the template
The template will be saved on your PC as a zip file. Open the file to find the template in PDF and PNG formats.
Launch Canva
Once you have the right template for your KDP book cover, launch Canva and get straight to designing.
Click the “Create a design“ button to launch a new project. A new window will pop up for you to choose your project type. Here is where you are supposed to pick either a resume, flyer, poster, Instagram posts, etc. In our case, because we need to build a new project from scratch, and we already have an external template to use, you need to choose the “custom size” option.
A second window will pop with boxes for you to input your design dimensions. Paste the “full cover” dimensions we copied while generating the KDP cover template. Ensure you adjust the measurements in inches and click on the “create new design“ button on Canva.
Upload your Template to Canva
Upload your template in PNG format to Canva. While on your new Canva project window, the tools menu is always on the left side of your screen. Click the “uploads” option to find the template, then select it to use. Fit the template to match your Canva and start playing with design options on your project.
Designing the Book Cover
At this point, you must have realized that the template is meant to be the whole book’s cover, including both the front and back covers. Depending on your pick when choosing the “Reading Direction “, your template will either have the front page on the right or left. Normally, the reading direction picked by most authors is left-to-right. And that will give you a template with the front cover page on the right.
The template is meant to guide you to keep all your design within the required measurements. Therefore, ensure all your work and everything you want to appear on your cover is inside the pink lines that come with the template. Anyway, below is a comprehensive step by step guide to designing your eBook cover on Canva from A-Z.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to designing your Amazon KDP eBook cover on Canva for newbies:
Sign Up and Log In:
- If you don’t have a Canva account, sign up for free.
- Log in to your Canva account.
Create a New Design:
- Click “Create a design” on the Canva homepage.
- Choose “Custom dimensions” and set the size to 8.5 by 11 inches (the standard paperback cover size for KDP).
Select a Template:
- Search for “book cover” templates.
- Choose a template that suits your book’s genre or theme.
Customize Your Cover:
- Double-click on the text elements (title, subtitle, author name) to edit them.
- Change fonts, colors, and sizes to match your book’s style.
- Add any additional text elements you need (e.g., series name, tagline).
Add Images:
- Click on “Elements” in the left sidebar.
- Search for relevant images (e.g., book-related icons, backgrounds).
- Drag and drop the images onto your cover.
Upload Your Own Image:
- If you have a specific image for your cover, click “Uploads.”
- Upload your image and position it on the cover.
Background and Layout:
- Adjust the background color or add a gradient.
- Ensure your text and images are well-placed within the “safe zone” (avoiding edges).
Download Your Cover:
- Click “Download” and choose the PDF print format.
- Save your cover file to your computer.
Upload to KDP:
- Log in to your Amazon KDP account.
- Go to your book details page.
- Upload your cover file under “Cover.”
Preview and Publish:
- Use the KDP cover previewer to check how your cover looks.
- If satisfied, publish your eBook!
Benefits Of a Good Cover Design
After days, months or even years put in writing your book, you want to ensure you’ve seen the whole process through. Your book cover might seem like a small issue compared to writing the book, but the truth is, its not. In fact, a well-designed book cover offers several benefits for both authors and readers. Some of them include:
Attracts Readers’ Attention:
- A visually appealing cover catches the eye and encourages potential readers to explore your book further.
- It’s the first impression readers have of your work, so make it count!
Conveys Genre and Tone:
- A cover design communicates the genre (e.g., romance, mystery, sci-fi) and sets expectations.
- The right design helps readers find books they’ll enjoy.
Professionalism and Credibility:
- A polished cover signals that your book is professionally produced.
- It boosts credibility and encourages readers to take your work seriously.
Memorability:
- A unique or memorable cover sticks in readers’ minds.
- Word-of-mouth recommendations often include descriptions of the cover.
Brand Recognition:
- Consistent cover designs across a series create brand recognition.
- Readers recognize your work and associate it with quality.
Emotional Connection:
- A well-chosen image or design can evoke emotions related to your book’s content.
- Readers may feel drawn to your story based on the cover alone.
Visibility in Online Stores:
- On platforms like Amazon, thumbnail-sized covers matter.
- A compelling cover stands out in search results and category listings.
Conclusion
I made this guide while working on my 7th eBook. What I’m saying is, I had to hire professional graphic designers for my first 6 eBooks. Well, even the professionals aren’t gods. They always seem to miss the personal view of what I wanted my book covers to look like. In as much as they always gave me a good design, excellent designs actually, I still felt like something was missing. That is when I decided to try my own book cover design. I hope this guide will equip you too and make it possible for you to design the book cover you desire. Good luck!
