5 Common KDP Cover Mistakes That Cost You Sales

Your book cover is your #1 marketing tool on Amazon. Yet thousands of self-published authors make preventable mistakes that kill their sales before readers even click. Here are the 5 most common—and costly—cover design errors, and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Unreadable Thumbnail Text

The most critical mistake: Your title can't be read at thumbnail size.

Why This Kills Sales

On Amazon, your cover appears as small as 160 pixels wide in search results. If potential readers can't read your title at that size, they scroll past. You've lost the sale in 2 seconds.

The Fix

• Test at thumbnail size: Shrink your cover to 160px wide. Can you read the title instantly? If not, increase font size or simplify.
• High contrast: Use colors that pop against the background. White text on light backgrounds is invisible at small sizes.
• Bold, simple fonts: Avoid thin, decorative, or script fonts for titles. Sans-serif fonts like Helvetica, Futura, or Montserrat work best.
• Limit words: Keep titles short and punchy. Long titles with small text get lost.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Genre Conventions

Every genre has visual expectations. Breaking these conventions confuses readers and tanks your click-through rate.

Why This Kills Sales

Readers browse genres they love. When they see a cover that doesn't "look right" for the category, they assume the content is also off-target—even if your book is perfect for them.

Examples of Genre Conventions

• Romance: Couples, embracing figures, script/elegant fonts, warm colors (red, pink, purple)
• Thriller: Dark colors, bold sans-serif fonts, mysterious imagery, high contrast
• Business: Clean design, professional fonts, blue/gray color schemes, minimalist layouts
• Fantasy: Epic landscapes, magical elements, elaborate typography, rich jewel tones
• Self-help: Bright colors (orange, yellow), clear benefit-driven titles, aspirational imagery

The Fix

1. Research top 20 books in your category: Go to Amazon, search your genre, screenshot the bestsellers
2. Identify patterns: What colors dominate? Font styles? Image types? Layouts?
3. Match (don't copy): Use similar design language while making your cover unique
4. A/B test if possible: Try different covers and track which drives more sales

Mistake #3: Low Resolution Images (Below 300 DPI)

Using low-resolution images is the fastest way to look unprofessional.

Why This Kills Sales

Amazon KDP requires 300 DPI minimum for print. Low-res covers:

• Get rejected by KDP during upload
• Look blurry and pixelated in print copies
• Signal "amateur" to readers, reducing trust and sales
• May pass automated checks but look terrible when printed

The Fix

• Always design at 300 DPI: Set your design software (Photoshop, Canva, etc.) to 300 DPI before starting
• Use high-quality stock photos: Download the highest resolution available from stock sites
• Avoid upscaling: Never take a 72 DPI image and "change" it to 300 DPI—this doesn't add detail, just bloats file size
• Check before upload: Open your final PDF in Photoshop or check properties to verify it's truly 300 DPI

Mistake #4: Cluttered Design with Too Many Elements

More is not better. Cluttered covers overwhelm readers and dilute your message.

Why This Kills Sales

Readers make snap judgments in 2-3 seconds. A cluttered cover:

• Confuses the eye—readers don't know where to look
• Looks amateur (professional designers use white space)
• Reduces legibility at thumbnail size
• Weakens your book's core message

Common Clutter Culprits

• Too many fonts (more than 2-3)
• Multiple competing images
• Excessive text (taglines, quotes, awards, long subtitles)
• Too many colors fighting for attention
• Overly complex backgrounds

The Fix

Follow the KISS principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid

• One hero image: Choose a single, powerful visual element
• Minimal text: Title, subtitle (if needed), author name. That's it.
• 2-3 fonts maximum: One for title, one for subtitle/author
• Limited color palette: 2-4 complementary colors
• White space is your friend: Empty space creates focus and professionalism

Mistake #5: Wrong Trim Size for Your Genre

Choosing an unconventional trim size can make your book feel "off" to readers and increase printing costs.

Why This Kills Sales

Readers subconsciously expect certain sizes based on genre:

• Novels should feel like novels (5.5×8.5" or 6×9")
• Business books look professional at 6×9"
• Workbooks need space (8.5×11")

Using the wrong size:

• Makes your book look unprofessional
• Increases printing costs unnecessarily
• Can affect page count perception (too thin or too thick)
• May not fit standard bookshelves well

The Fix

Choose the right trim size for your genre:

• Fiction (novels, thrillers, romance): 5.5×8.5" or 6×9"
• Non-fiction (business, self-help, biography): 6×9"
• Technical books, textbooks: 7×10" or 8.5×11"
• Children's picture books: 8.5×8.5" square
• Cookbooks, photo books: 8.5×11"

Bonus Mistake: Not Testing on Real Devices

Always preview your cover on actual devices before finalizing:

• Desktop monitor: How does it look in search results?
• Mobile phone: Can you read it on a small screen? (Most Amazon shopping happens on mobile)
• Tablet: Does it stand out in grid view?
• Print proof: Order a physical proof copy—colors and details often look different in print vs. screen

The Bottom Line

Your book cover is not the place to cut corners. These 5 mistakes are easily avoidable with:

1. Proper research (study your genre)
2. Technical precision (300 DPI, correct trim size, readable fonts)
3. Design simplicity (focus on one clear message)
4. Professional tools (like KDPEasy)

Fix these mistakes and you'll immediately see better click-through rates, higher conversion, and more sales.