Course 6: Print Book Covers (KDP and IngramSpark, UK and US) (PDF Guide)
A 37-page printable PDF guide for UK and US self-publishers making a paperback or hardback: build a print cover file that KDP and IngramSpark accept first time, including spine width, bleed, barcode and colour settings.
It is part of Self-Publishing: From Beginner to Pro, a ten-course series of printable PDF guides from Long Room Learning. Written in plain UK English with UK and US rules side by side, in millimetres and inches. Facts, prices and platform rules were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026.
What you'll learn
- How a wraparound cover works: back cover, spine, front cover, bleed and safe areas, with a labelled diagram
- Why the interior must be finished first, so you design the spine once
- KDP paperback and case laminate hardcover cover specifications, step by step
- IngramSpark paperback, casebound and dust jacket specifications, step by step
- Spine width: KDP's published figures, a chart and three worked examples (UK A5 novel, US 6 × 9 in nonfiction, a thin guide)
- Spine text page limits, barcode size and placement
- Colour, images and type for print: CMYK, 300 dpi, rich black, ink limits and fonts
- Briefing a cover designer, and making the ebook cover from the print cover
- Exporting, previewing and proofing, a table of common rejections and fixes, and when a cover has to be remade
Three printable handouts: a cover specification sheet, a designer brief and an approval checklist
Who it's for
First-time self-publishers in the UK or the US who are about to make a printed paperback or hardback and need a cover file the printer will accept first time, whether they design it themselves or brief a designer.
Who it's not for
It does not teach graphic design software. It does not cover interior layout (Course 5), permissions for fonts, photographs and illustrations (Course 4), ISBNs and how a barcode is made (Course 7) or platform set-up (Courses 8 and 9).
Common questions
How do I work out the spine width for my book cover?
Spine width depends on the final page count, the paper and the ink, so finish the interior first. Then use the platform's own cover calculator or template. Course 6 gives KDP's published figures, a chart and three worked examples.
How much bleed does a book cover need?
On paperback covers, 0.125 in (about 3 mm) on every outside edge for both KDP and IngramSpark. Hardbacks differ: KDP case laminate covers need a 15 mm (0.51 in) wrap, and IngramSpark casebound covers 0.625 in (16 mm). Checked 27 October 2026.
How many pages does a book need for text on the spine?
On KDP, at least 79 pages (80 if you use Cover Creator). On IngramSpark, perfect bound books below 48 pages cannot have spine text.
Where does the barcode go on a book cover?
Bottom right of the back cover, 100% black on a white background. Both KDP and IngramSpark will place one for you if you leave the space for it.
Can I use the same cover file for KDP and IngramSpark?
Usually not. Each platform has its own template and its spine width can differ, so generate a fresh template from the platform you are uploading to, and a new one if anything changes. Course 6 compares the two platforms' specifications side by side.
What colour settings should a print book cover use?
CMYK images at 300 dpi, no spot colours, and heavy dark areas kept within IngramSpark's 240% total ink limit. Course 6 explains rich black and fonts too.
What you get
An instant-download A4 PDF (37 pages) to read on screen or print, including three printable handouts: a cover specification sheet, a cover designer brief and a cover approval checklist.
Digital download (PDF). General information only; not professional design, printing, legal or financial advice. Platform specifications were checked on the official websites on 27 October 2026 and can change at any time, so always use the platform's current template and help pages. Long Room Learning is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Lightning Source or any other platform or organisation named. No product or service is endorsed.
