Define the book’s genre, tone, and target audience
Gather inspiration from similar successful covers
Decide the cover size and trim dimensions
Choose a strong focal image or illustration
Select fonts that match the book’s style
Keep the title large and easy to read
Add the author name clearly
Use a limited color palette
Maintain strong contrast between text and background
Arrange elements with a clear visual hierarchy
Leave enough negative space
Make sure the cover looks good at thumbnail size
Include spine and back cover if needed
Use high-resolution images and graphics
Check copyright and licensing for all assets
Export in the correct print or digital format
Review and revise the design before finalizing