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What are the cover PDF requirements for print books?

What are the cover PDF requirements for print books?

If you want to publish a paperback or hardcover book, you need to upload a print-ready cover PDF.

This file is used for physical production and is different from the marketplace cover image shown on your book page.


What is a print-ready cover PDF?

A print-ready cover PDF is the full cover file used to print the physical book.

It should include:

  • Front cover
  • Back cover
  • Spine
  • Bleed area
  • Safe margins
  • Correct trim size
  • Correct layout for the selected print format

This file helps make sure your printed book cover is produced correctly.


How is it different from the marketplace cover?

The marketplace cover is the image readers see on your book page.

The print-ready cover PDF is used for physical printing.

Cover type

Purpose

Marketplace cover image

Displayed publicly on your book page

Print-ready cover PDF

Used to produce the physical paperback or hardcover

For print books, you need both files.


What should my cover PDF include?

Before uploading your print cover PDF, make sure it includes:

  • The correct book title
  • The correct author name or pen name
  • A front cover
  • A back cover
  • A spine, if required for the selected format
  • Correct bleed and margins
  • High-quality images and text
  • A layout that matches the selected page size and print format

The title and author name should match the details entered during the publishing process.


What should I check before uploading?

Before submitting your print cover PDF, check that:

  • The file opens correctly
  • The cover is not blurry or pixelated
  • The text is easy to read
  • Important text or design elements are not too close to the edge
  • The file is not password protected
  • The file is not corrupted
  • The cover matches the selected format, such as paperback or hardcover
  • The cover matches the selected page size
  • The file is the final version you want printed


Why does the cover need bleed and margins?

Printed covers are trimmed during production.

Bleed and margins help make sure important elements are not accidentally cut off.

As a general rule:

  • Important text should stay inside the safe area
  • Background images or colours should extend to the bleed area
  • Text, logos, and important design details should not be placed too close to the edge

If the cover does not have the correct bleed or margins, it may need to be corrected before the book can be approved for print.


What happens if my cover PDF is not correct?

If your print cover PDF does not meet the requirements, your submission will be returned with feedback.

You may be asked to:

  • Upload a corrected cover PDF
  • Adjust the cover layout
  • Fix the spine, bleed, or margins
  • Replace a low-quality or blurry file
  • Match the cover to the selected print size
  • Correct the title or author name
  • Upload the correct file for the selected format

Once the cover file is corrected, you can resubmit the book for review.


Can PubliWrite help with my print cover?

In some cases, yes.

If your cover needs changes, the PubliWrite team may be able to help prepare or update the cover file.

If the team creates or updates a cover on your behalf, the updated version will be sent to you for approval before it is used for publication.


Important note

Your print-ready cover PDF must match the print settings you selected during the publishing flow.

If the cover size, spine, bleed, or layout does not match your selected print format, your book may need changes before it can be approved for print.


Updated on: 02/06/2026

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