KDP Cover template generator

Lately, I’ve noticed more people on forums or message boards talking about print book cover errors or sizing issues on KDP Print. They ask for help and more often than not, the answer they’re given doesn’t solve their problem. I find this strange, since the most straight-forward answer is out there, if you take the time to look. I’m talking about one piece covers, not separate jpgs uploaded to the Cover Creator.

CreateSpace had a book cover template generator, in which you’d input some basic information, and a template for a one piece wrap around cover would be created for download. It would add in for the bleed, and take the guesswork out of spine width, making it an easier process for the author and/or artist. KDP Print has a template generator, too, but it’s a little bit buried on KDP’s website. Below is both a step-by-step with screenshots, and a quick video explaining where to find the template creator.

First, go to kdp.amazon.com. On the upper right hand side, click on ‘help.’ You don’t need to log in to your account. Or, enter kdp.amazon.com/cover-templates then skip to the third paragraph down about the Paperback Cover Template page.

You’ll see a greeting, Hi, can we help you? On the right hand side, under the section Prepare Your Book, click on ‘See all formatting resources.’Screencap1

The next page will have three blocks of information. We’re concerned with the middle one for Paperbacks. The first thing you’ll see is Free Tools and Resources  with a bullet ‘Try our manuscript and cover templates.’ Click on the word ‘cover.’Screencap2

You’re now at the Paperback Cover Template page. On the far left is where you input your information. First, enter your trim size (the finished size of your book) from the pull down menu. Next, enter the page count. This is another area where some people make mistakes. This is for the entire number of pages in your document, including all front and back matter. Your word processing program will have a page count (in LibreOffice it’s in the bottom left of the Writer application). Or, if you’ve already exported to PDF, your previewer or Adobe reader will tell you how many pages. Enter the total page count. Finally, enter the type of paper you want for your book’s interior. This is important, since creme is heavier than white and will affect the width of the spine. Once all your info is entered, click the yellow Download cover template button.Screencap3

The template generates immediately and downloads as a zip file. Open that and you’ll find two files in your folder, a PDF and a PNG file. You can open either one in Photoshop, Illustrator, or other program to create your cover.

When you set-up your title on KDP, make sure your trim, page count, and paper color are the same as you entered for your cover template. KDP Print defaults to 6 X 9 trim size, for instance, and you’ll notice in the above photo, the template creator defaults to white for the paper color. Make sure everything matches, and you shouldn’t have a problem.

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