The cover of a book is the first element a reader sees. It is the one that attracts attention on the shelf, builds the first impression and often determines whether someone will reach for the publication. No wonder, then, that authors and publishers pay a lot of attention to it.
Paradoxically, however, many problems arise not at the design stage, but just before the files are sent to the printers. Even a well-prepared book cover can contain errors that will become very visible after printing.
Here are 5 things you should check before you start production.
Book cover and correctly calculated spine
This is one of the most common problems printers see in the files they submit. Many designers prepare the cover of a book even before the paper or the number of pages is finally determined. Meanwhile, both of these parameters directly affect the width of the spine.
If the spine is too narrow or too wide, there can be problems with the positioning of graphics and text. This becomes especially apparent when the design flows seamlessly across the back cover, spine and front of the book.
That’s why it’s a good idea to make sure that the printer has calculated the spine based on the final parameters of the publication before sending the files.
Book cover vs. bleeds
Bleeds are the extra area outside the cut line. Their absence is among the most common mistakes in file preparation.
If the book cover contains a background, photo or graphic that reaches the edge, the design should include a standard 3 mm bleed on each side.
Without this, unsightly white lines may appear on the edges of the cover after trimming. The problem is especially noticeable with dark backgrounds and large areas of color.
Book cover and safe margins
It’s not enough to prepare the slopes. It is equally important to maintain adequate safety margins.
The title, author’s name, publisher’s logo or other important elements should not be too close to the edges. Even with very precise cutting, there are slight production tolerances.
That’s why it’s a good idea to leave a few millimeters of clearance from the cut lines and folds. This will ensure that the book cover will look aesthetically pleasing even after final cutting.
Book cover vs. photo resolution
The design may look perfect on the computer screen, but reveal all its imperfections when printed.
The most common problem is with photos that are too low in resolution. Graphics downloaded from the Internet are often 72 dpi, while printing usually requires 300 dpi.
It’s a good idea to check before sending the file:
- photo resolution,
- quality of graphics,
- any enlargements used in the project.
This is especially important when the book cover contains large photographs or illustrations.
Book cover and enhancements
More and more publications are using additional enhancements, such as matte foil, soft touch, UV varnish or hot-stamping.
If the project provides for such elements, make sure they are correctly marked in the production files. This is especially true for UV selective varnish and embossing, which require the preparation of separate layers.
Otherwise, the printer may not know which parts of the design are to be enhanced.
It’s a small detail that can completely change the end result.
Why take a few minutes to inspect
Most mistakes on the covers are not due to lack of knowledge, but to haste. The design is ready, the deadline is chasing, so the file goes to the printer without final inspection.
Meanwhile, a few extra minutes are all it takes to check:
- back width,
- bleeds,
- safety margins,
- resolution of graphics,
- enhancement marking.
This is much simpler than correcting the design after errors are discovered at the production stage.
Summary
The cover of a book is the business card of the entire publication. Even the best design can lose quality if the files are not properly prepared for printing.
Before sending the materials, it is worth checking the spine, bleeds, safety margins, the quality of photos and the preparation of enhancements. This will ensure that the book cover will look exactly as designed, and the entire production process will go more smoothly.