It is critical to READ the cover specs for your project during the Publishing steps. When you reach the Book Cover step, read the yellow box for exact image specs.

If you are working with a Designer you can follow these general specifications:

1. Design a front cover JPG and a back cover JPG (two files)
2. FastPencil generates the spine, you do not upload a spread
3. The cover must include .625inch bleed on TOP, OUTSIDE and BOTTOM
4. Do not include crop marks
5. Save as RGB (our system converts to CMYK)
6. Make sure to keep text .5inch from TRIM edge

 This is an Example 6x9 (Paperback) front cover:

For more detailed specifications on different sizes and binding types see below!

General Cover Image Design Information

• We will place a FastPencil imprint and barcode(s) on your book's back cover. Allow space for this in the bottom third of your back cover image.
• Bar code(s) are placed on the back cover 36 Postscript Points (1/2 inch) up and 36 Points (1/2 inch) to the right of the bottom left hand corner of the back cover:
  • Single barcode dimensions: (non-ISBN title) is 1.5" wide x 1" tall
  • Double barcode dimensions: (ISBN title) is 3" wide x 1" tall
• All pixel dimensions based on 300 PPI (pixels per inch)
• File formats allowed: jpg (recommended) and png

Designing a cover without extending images into bleeds (border):

Cover images not extended into bleeds will have a horizontal and vertical black border around the front and back cover images, on soft covers this will be .25 inch vertical and .375 inch horizontal, hard covers will have .5 inch vertical on gutter side and .25 inch face side, and .50 inch horizontal border

Text placed on the front and back cover images should be a minimum of 0.25" from the trim marks

Designing a cover with bleeds (no border):

When designing and centering your cover artwork and text, DO NOT factor in the page bleed areas, as the printer will cut the printed cover spread at the trim size, removing the bleed sections. If you do not follow this guidance, your cover artwork will not be centered, and cover text could be truncated.

Our dimensions assume a 5/8" bleed area on all sides of the cover spread. Your design should extend at least 1/4" into the bleed area, and the additional space should be padded in your file so your image matches the dimensions shown below (trimming your image could cause distortion during printing).

Front cover: Include .25" of bleed on the top, RIGHT, and bottom edges, but not on the LEFT edge.

Back cover: Include .25" of bleed on the top, LEFT, and bottom edges, but not on the RIGHT edge.

Text placed on the front and back cover images should be a minimum of 0.25" from the trim marks

Creating Book Cover with picture and colored border

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxlC0759T_Q