Articles on: Publishing

What are the cover requirements for publishing a book?

What are the cover requirements for publishing a book?

Your book cover is an important part of your publication. It appears on your book page and helps readers identify your book in the marketplace.

Before submitting your book, make sure your cover is clear, complete, and matches the book you are publishing.


What should my cover include?

Your cover should include:

  • The book title
  • The author name or pen name
  • A clear, high-quality design
  • Text that is easy to read
  • An image or design that matches the book being submitted

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


What should I check before uploading my cover?

Before uploading your cover, make sure that:

  • The cover is not blurry or pixelated
  • The cover is not stretched or distorted
  • The title is visible and easy to read
  • The author name or pen name is visible and easy to read
  • The cover does not have important elements cut off
  • The file is the correct final version
  • The cover does not look like a screenshot or unfinished design
  • The cover does not include incorrect, misleading, or unrelated information


Can I submit a cover without the title or author name?

No. Your cover should include both the book title and the author name or pen name.

If the cover does not include this information, the PubliWrite team may ask you to update the cover before the book can be approved.


Cover requirements for digital books

For digital books, the cover image is used on your book page and in the marketplace.

Make sure the digital cover:

  • Is clear and high quality
  • Shows the correct title and author name
  • Looks professional when displayed as a thumbnail
  • Matches the book details you submitted


Cover requirements for printed books

Printed books require an additional print-ready cover file.

This is different from the marketplace cover image because it is used for physical production.

For paperback or hardcover books, you need to upload a print-ready PDF cover that includes the correct layout for print production.

Depending on the format, the print-ready cover may need to include:

  • Front cover
  • Back cover
  • Spine
  • Correct trim size
  • Correct bleed and margins
  • Correct file format for printing

If the print cover is not prepared correctly, the book may need changes before it can be approved for print.


Can PubliWrite help me create or update my cover?

Yes, depending on how your book is created and what kind of help you need.

If you create and publish your book through PubliWrite’s editor, you can use the platform’s built-in cover creation tool to design a cover for your book.

If you already have a cover but it needs changes, such as adding the title and author name or improving the design, the PubliWrite team may also be able to help in some cases.

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.


What happens if my cover does not meet the requirements?

If your cover does not meet PubliWrite’s requirements, your submission may be returned with feedback.

You may be asked to:

  • Upload a higher-quality cover
  • Add the title or author name
  • Replace a screenshot or unfinished cover
  • Correct the book title or author name
  • Upload the correct print-ready cover file
  • Adjust the cover so it matches the selected format

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


Final checklist before submitting your cover

Before submitting, check that:

  • The cover includes the correct title
  • The cover includes the correct author name or pen name
  • The cover is clear and readable
  • The cover matches the submitted book
  • The file is final and high quality
  • The cover is suitable for the selected format
  • Printed books include the correct print-ready cover file, where required


Updated on: 02/06/2026

Was this article helpful?

Share your feedback

Cancel

Thank you!