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Book Covers
    “Your book cover is your first sale.  Make it count.
You’ve written the book — now let us make it print-ready. Our self-publishing and book formatting service takes your finished manuscript and transforms it into a professionally laid out, beautifully produced publication that looks every bit as polished as anything on a bookshop shelf. From interior layout and typography to cover construction and print-ready file preparation, we manage every technical detail from start to finish — so you can focus on what you do best, and leave the rest to us.
I wrote my book, but what about my cover?
Before a single page is read, your cover has already done its job — or it hasn’t. In an online bookstore, at a festival stall, or as another book on a book table or store, your cover is the first and sometimes only thing a potential reader sees, and it needs to stop them in their tracks. A compelling book cover isn’t just about looking attractive — it needs to communicate genre, tone, and audience at a glance, while standing out in a crowded and competitive marketplace. For self-published authors, getting the cover right is one of the most important investments you can make in your book’s success.
How Intertype Helps You Get It Right
Creating a print-ready book cover is considerably more complex than designing a front face in isolation. A professionally prepared cover is a single, precisely constructed file that incorporates the front cover, spine, and back cover as one continuous piece. The spine width must be calculated exactly — determined by your final page count and the specific paper stock being used — meaning the cover file can only be finalised once the interior formatting is complete.
Every element needs to sit within correct safe zones, bleed must be applied to all outer edges, and all text and imagery must be positioned with enough care that nothing critical risks being lost in the trim or wrap. Export the file incorrectly, miscalculate the spine, or ignore the technical specifications, and the result is a cover that looks wrong on the finished book — or files that are rejected before they ever reach the press or online publish platform.
Working with a professional print and publishing service takes the complexity and the risk out of the process entirely. Our team designs covers with print production and publishing platform front of mind from the very first concept — not as an afterthought. We handle the spine calculation, the file construction, the bleed, and the export, ensuring what you see in the proof is exactly what you get in print. Whether you come to us with a clear creative vision, a few reference images, or simply a genre and a manuscript, we’ll work with you to produce a cover that captures the essence of your book, appeals to your audience, and holds its own.
Book Covers Common Questions
Here are frequently encountered questions we get asked by authors who are looking for help with their book cover.
Do I need to have a clear idea of what I want before approaching a designer?
Not necessarily. Having a sense of your genre, target audience, and any reference covers you admire is a great starting point, but you don’t need to arrive with a fully formed concept. A good designer will ask the right questions, listen carefully to what you’re trying to achieve, and bring creative ideas to the table that you may not have considered. The more context you can provide about your book, your readers, and the feeling you want to evoke, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Can I use my own images or artwork on the cover?
Yes, provided they meet the technical requirements for print. Images must be a minimum of 300dpi at their intended print size and supplied in a suitable file format. If you’re using photography or illustrations created by someone else, you’ll also need to ensure you hold the appropriate rights or licences to use them commercially. If you don’t have suitable images, we can source professional stock photography as part of the design process.
When can the cover design begin?
Cover design can begin at any stage, but the cover file can only be finalised once the interior formatting is complete and the final page count is confirmed. This is because the spine width — which forms part of the cover file — is calculated from the page count and paper stock. We typically begin the cover design process in parallel with interior formatting and finalise the file once all the measurements are locked in.
How is the spine width calculated?
Spine width is determined by multiplying the number of pages by the thickness of the paper stock. We handle this calculation as part of our service and build it into the cover file automatically.
What information needs to appear on the cover?
A book cover typically includes the title, subtitle if applicable, and author name on the front, along with a barcode, ISBN, brief description on the back cover. The spine may carry the title and author name depending on the spine thickness of your book. We’ll guide you through all the required elements and ensure everything is correctly positioned and sized.
Can I supply my own cover design?
Yes, we encourage authors to provide their own ideas, concepts and even base image if they have one. Â Our designer will incorporate your cover into the correctly setup design that suits your book size, style and design. Â
Do I need an ISBN before the cover can be designed?
The ISBN barcode needs to be included on the back cover of the final print-ready file, so you’ll need your ISBN confirmed before the cover is finalised. However, design work can begin and progress significantly before the ISBN is in hand — the ISBN and bardcode is provided as part of the Self-Publish Pro package.
How many design concepts will I see?
 Our process typically begins with an initial concept or concepts for your review and feedback. From there we refine the design through a series of 2 revision rounds until you’re completely happy with the result. We will work with you on further revision rounds if required.
Can I use the cover design for marketing purposes?
 Absolutely — and you should. Your cover is one of your most powerful marketing assets. We can supply your cover artwork in formats suitable for digital use, social media, promotional materials.
How long does book cover design take?
Turnaround time depends on how well formed your idea or concept is for your book and the time you take to consider and provide feedback on revisions. We’ll provide a clear timeframe when you submit your manuscript and we have our first meeting, and we’ll always confirm your deadline before work begins. Â Note the cover can only be finalised once the manuscript is.
Book Cover Examples
Here are some examples of book covers we have produced.
How to Get Started
When you are ready, simply book a free consultation with Intertype to talk to a real person about your book. Â You will receive a detailed proposal of relevant service options so you can make an informed decision. Â And when you are ready, simply forward your material and Intertype will guide you the rest of the way.Â
Step 1:
Free Consult
Book a Free Consultation to discuss your book, explore the best approach  and service options that make sense for you.
Step 2:
Proposal
We provide a detailed proposal based on our discussion for you to make an informed decision.
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Step 3:
Begin
Submit your manuscript and concept ideas and Intertype will lead you through the process and bring your book to life.
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