Why Cover Mistakes Matter
Small design mistakes can destroy your book's sales potential. In the split second a potential reader glances at your cover in Amazon search results, amateur mistakes trigger instant rejection. Your book never gets a chance—readers scroll past without clicking.
The frustrating part? Most cover mistakes are completely preventable. They're not subjective design choices—they're technical errors and violations of established design principles. Once you know what to avoid, you can create professional-looking covers that convert browsers into readers.
The Cost of Mistakes:
An amateur-looking cover can reduce your click-through rate by 50-80%. If your cover converts at 1% instead of 3% because of preventable mistakes, you're losing 2/3 of potential sales. For a book that could sell 1,000 copies, that's 666 lost sales—potentially $2,000+ in lost revenue.
Mistake #1: Unreadable Text at Thumbnail Size
The Problem
Your title looks perfect at full size but becomes completely illegible when displayed as a 200x300 pixel thumbnail on Amazon. Readers can't read it, so they don't click. This is the single most common and damaging mistake.
Why it happens: Designers focus on full-size appearance and forget that 90% of first impressions happen at thumbnail size.
The Solution
- • Test at 200x300 pixels: Always view your cover at thumbnail size before finalizing
- • Use large, bold fonts: Title should occupy 40-50% of cover space
- • Choose thick letterforms: Avoid thin, delicate fonts—they vanish when small
- • Limit word count: 1-4 words is ideal for titles; fewer is better
- • Increase letter spacing: Add tracking to improve legibility
Minimum Font Sizes for Readability:
- • 6x9 inch cover: Minimum 60-72pt for title text
- • 5x8 inch cover: Minimum 48-60pt for title text
- • General rule: If you squint and can't read it clearly, it's too small
- • Test method: View cover from 10 feet away—can you read the title?
Mistake #2: Insufficient Contrast
The Problem
Text blends into the background because there isn't enough difference in lightness/darkness (value contrast) or color. The title might be technically visible but requires effort to read, causing instant rejection.
Common examples: Gray text on black background, red text on green background, dark text on dark imagery, light text on light backgrounds
The Solution
- • Use high contrast combinations: White on black, black on white, yellow on dark blue
- • Add background overlays: Semi-transparent black/white box behind text
- • Use outlines/strokes: Thin outline in contrasting color around letters
- • Add drop shadows: Subtle shadow creates separation from background
- • Darken/lighten backgrounds: Adjust image brightness where text appears
- • Test in grayscale: Convert to black & white—if text disappears, contrast is too low
Contrast Ratio Guidelines:
- • Minimum: 4.5:1 contrast ratio (WCAG standard)
- • Recommended: 7:1 or higher for book covers
- • Ideal: 15:1 or higher (white on black = 21:1)
- • Test tool: Use online contrast checkers to verify
Automatically Avoid All Common Mistakes
KDPEasy ensures perfect contrast, readability, and technical specifications every time
Create Error-Free CoverMistake #3: Incorrect Dimensions
The Problem
Cover size doesn't match KDP's calculated dimensions for your specific page count, trim size, and paper type. Result: instant rejection by Amazon, or front/back covers that don't align properly.
Why it happens: Using generic templates, guessing dimensions, or not recalculating when page count changes
The Solution
- • Always use KDP Cover Calculator: Get exact dimensions before starting design
- • Enter accurate page count: Count must match your interior file exactly
- • Include bleed: Calculator dimensions include 0.125" bleed—don't add extra
- • Recalculate if page count changes: Even 10-page difference affects size
- • Verify before upload: Check file dimensions in image properties
Critical Numbers to Verify:
- ✓ Total width: (Trim width × 2) + spine width + 0.25"
- ✓ Total height: Trim height + 0.25"
- ✓ Spine width: Exact calculation from page count (varies by paper)
- ✓ Resolution: Exactly 300 DPI (not 72, not 150, not 350)
Mistake #4: Overcrowded, Cluttered Composition
The Problem
Trying to include too many elements—multiple images, various text elements, decorative flourishes, taglines, endorsements—creates visual chaos. Nothing stands out, everything competes for attention, and the overall effect is amateur and overwhelming.
Why it happens: Fear of wasting space, trying to convey too much information, lack of confidence in simplicity
The Solution
- • One focal point only: Choose one dominant element (usually the title)
- • Embrace white space: Empty space creates sophistication and focus
- • Limit text elements: Title + author name + optional subtitle = maximum
- • Remove, don't add: When in doubt, delete elements rather than adding
- • Simplify imagery: One strong image beats multiple competing images
- • Use hierarchy: Primary, secondary, tertiary—no more than 3 levels
The Minimalism Test:
For each element on your cover, ask: "If I removed this, would the cover still work?" If yes, remove it. Keep removing until the answer becomes "no"—that's when you've reached optimal simplicity.
Remember: Every element you add dilutes the impact of every other element.
Mistake #5: Generic Stock Photos
The Problem
Using the same overused stock photos that appear on hundreds of other book covers. Readers recognize them instantly and perceive your book as generic, low-effort, or amateur. Your cover looks identical to competitors.
Common culprits: Woman in wheat field, businessman silhouette, generic couple, obvious Shutterstock watermarked imagery
The Solution
- • Use AI-generated imagery: Creates unique visuals impossible to duplicate
- • Heavily modify stock photos: Color grading, compositing, effects to make unique
- • Commission custom illustration: Truly one-of-a-kind artwork
- • Focus on typography: Make text the primary element, imagery secondary
- • Use abstract/texture backgrounds: Less recognizable than literal images
- • Search deep: Don't use images from page 1-3 of stock sites—dig deeper
How to Check if Stock Photo Is Overused:
- • Reverse image search on Google (upload image or paste URL)
- • If it appears on 10+ book covers, it's too generic—don't use it
- • Check bestseller lists in your genre for similar imagery
- • When in doubt, modify heavily or choose different image
Mistake #6: Ignoring Genre Conventions
The Problem
Your cover doesn't signal the correct genre to readers. A thriller that looks like romance, literary fiction that looks like self-help, or fantasy that looks like contemporary—readers get confused and scroll past because they can't quickly categorize your book.
Why it happens: Trying to be "unique" without understanding that genre conventions are expectations, not limitations
The Solution
- • Research your genre: Study top 20 bestsellers in your exact category
- • Note common elements: Colors, imagery types, typography styles that repeat
- • Follow conventions 80%: Match expectations, differentiate in 20% of elements
- • Use appropriate colors: Each genre has established color associations
- • Match typography: Font styles signal genre (serif = literary, bold sans = thriller)
- • Test with target readers: Show cover and ask what genre they think it is
Quick Genre Convention Checklist:
- • Thriller: Dark colors, bold sans-serif fonts, urban/ominous imagery
- • Romance: Warm colors (pink, purple, teal), script/serif fonts, couples/intimacy
- • Fantasy: Epic imagery, metallic accents, decorative fonts, mystical elements
- • Literary: Simple, minimalist, elegant serif fonts, muted colors, white space
- • Non-fiction: Bold modern fonts, professional colors, typography-focused
Genre-Perfect Covers, Every Time
KDPEasy automatically applies genre conventions while maintaining unique visual identity
See How It WorksMistakes #7-10: Critical Technical Errors
#7: Missing or Incorrect Bleed
Problem: Background doesn't extend 0.125" beyond trim line, causing white edges when book is cut.
Solution: Ensure all background colors/images extend to outer edge. Use KDP templates with bleed guides.
#8: Text Outside Safe Zone
Problem: Title or important elements too close to trim edge, risking being cut off.
Solution: Keep all text 0.125" inside trim line (0.25" recommended for extra safety).
#9: No Barcode Space
Problem: Not reserving 2" × 1.2" white space in lower right corner for Amazon's barcode.
Solution: Always leave minimum 2" × 1.2" light-colored rectangle in lower right of back cover.
#10: Wrong Color Mode
Problem: Using CMYK when RGB is recommended, causing color shifts during Amazon's conversion.
Solution: Use RGB color mode for KDP uploads. Amazon converts to CMYK during printing. Always order proof copy.
Mistakes #11-15: Typography Failures
#11: Too Many Fonts
Problem: Using 4+ different fonts creates visual chaos and looks unprofessional.
Solution: Limit to 2-3 fonts maximum. One for title, one for author name, optionally one for subtitle.
#12: Poor Font Choices
Problem: Using Comic Sans, Papyrus, or other amateur fonts. Script fonts that are illegible at small sizes.
Solution: Use professional fonts appropriate for your genre. Test readability at thumbnail size.
#13: Bad Kerning/Letter Spacing
Problem: Letters too close together or awkwardly spaced, making text hard to read.
Solution: Manually adjust spacing between letter pairs (kerning). Increase overall tracking for all-caps titles.
#14: Stretched or Distorted Text
Problem: Stretching fonts horizontally or vertically instead of using proper font weights.
Solution: Never stretch text. If you need wider letters, choose a condensed/extended font variant.
#15: Inconsistent Alignment
Problem: Text elements not properly aligned with each other or the design grid.
Solution: Use alignment guides. Choose one alignment (center, left, right) and stick with it.
Zero Mistakes, Every Time
KDPEasy automatically prevents all 15 common mistakes with built-in quality controls
Create Perfect CoverFrequently Asked Questions
What is the most common book cover design mistake?
Text that is unreadable at thumbnail size is the #1 mistake. Your title must be legible when displayed at 200x300 pixels on Amazon search results. Most designers focus on full-size appearance and forget that 90% of first impressions happen at thumbnail size. Use large, bold fonts with high contrast and always test at thumbnail size before finalizing.
How do I make my book cover text more readable?
Ensure readability by: (1) Using bold, thick fonts sized large enough to read at thumbnail size (minimum 60-72pt for 6x9 covers), (2) Creating high contrast between text and background (7:1 ratio or higher), (3) Adding semi-transparent overlays behind text on busy backgrounds, (4) Using drop shadows or outlines to separate text from imagery, (5) Avoiding script fonts and thin lettering, and (6) Always testing at 200x300 pixels before publishing.
Why do book covers get rejected by Amazon KDP?
Common rejection reasons include: incorrect dimensions (not matching KDP calculator for your specific page count), resolution below 300 DPI, missing bleed (0.125" on all sides), text outside safe zones, inadequate barcode space (need 2" × 1.2" in lower right), spine width mismatch, file format issues, and prohibited content. Always use the KDP Cover Calculator, verify all measurements, and include proper bleed and safe zones.
How can I tell if my cover has enough contrast?
Test contrast by: (1) Converting cover to grayscale—if text disappears, contrast is too low, (2) Using online contrast checkers to measure ratio (aim for 7:1 or higher), (3) Squinting at your cover—text should still be visible when blurred, (4) Viewing on phone screen in bright sunlight, (5) Showing to someone unfamiliar—can they read title in 2 seconds? If you fail any test, increase contrast by lightening background, darkening text, or adding overlays.
What's wrong with using popular stock photos?
Overused stock photos make your cover look generic and low-effort because readers recognize them from hundreds of other books. This immediately signals amateur quality and reduces clicks. Check if an image is overused by doing a reverse image search on Google—if it appears on 10+ book covers, don't use it. Instead, use AI-generated imagery for uniqueness, heavily modify stock photos, commission custom illustration, or focus on typography-driven designs.
How many fonts should I use on my book cover?
Limit yourself to 2-3 fonts maximum. Typically use one font for the title, one for the author name, and optionally a third for subtitles or series information. Using more than three fonts creates visual chaos and looks unprofessional. Ensure fonts contrast with each other (pair a bold display font with a simple sans-serif, or an elegant serif with a modern sans-serif). Never use similar fonts that compete rather than complement.
Why does my cover look different when printed?
Colors on screen (RGB) don't match printed colors (CMYK) exactly. Bright, saturated colors often appear duller in print. Neon colors are particularly problematic. Additionally, monitor calibration affects what you see. To minimize surprises: (1) Design in RGB as Amazon recommends, (2) Use Photoshop's soft-proofing to simulate CMYK conversion, (3) Avoid extremely saturated colors, (4) Always order a physical proof copy before approving for sale, (5) Make adjustments based on proof if needed.
What if I'm not sure if my cover follows genre conventions?
Research your exact genre by studying the top 20 bestsellers in your specific category on Amazon. Note common elements: color palettes, typography styles, imagery types, and composition patterns. Your cover should match these conventions in about 80% of elements while differentiating in the remaining 20%. Test by showing your cover to readers in your target genre without context and asking what genre they think it is. If they guess wrong, your cover isn't signaling correctly.
How do I know if my cover is too cluttered?
Your cover is too cluttered if: (1) Readers can't identify the title within 2 seconds, (2) You have more than one primary focal point, (3) White space is less than 20% of total cover area, (4) You're using 4+ different text elements (title, subtitle, tagline, series, endorsements), (5) Multiple images compete for attention. Solution: Remove elements one by one until removing anything else would break the design. Embrace negative space—it's not wasted, it creates sophistication.
Can I fix a rejected cover or do I need to start over?
Most rejections are fixable without starting over. For dimension errors, resize your cover file to exact KDP calculator specifications. For resolution issues, recreate at 300 DPI from original files (upscaling won't work). For bleed/safe zone problems, extend backgrounds and move text. For barcode space, add a white rectangle in lower right corner. Only extremely fundamental issues (wrong concept, genre mismatch, terrible quality) require complete redesign. Address the specific rejection reason and reupload.
Related Guides & Resources
Book Cover Design Principles
Learn the fundamental principles to avoid mistakes from the start
KDP Cover Requirements
Technical specifications to prevent rejection
DIY vs Professional Covers
Decide the best approach to avoid costly mistakes
KDPEasy Features
See how KDPEasy prevents all these mistakes automatically
Never Make These Mistakes Again
KDPEasy automatically prevents all 15 common mistakes with built-in quality controls, perfect formatting, and professional design principles.