What Goes on the Back Cover of a Book

The back cover of a book usually includes a short book description, an ISBN barcode, and selected details such as an author bio, review quote, or publisher logo. Start with what the book is about and why someone would want to read it. Then add the information that fits your book and its print format.

You don't need every possible element. A useful starting point is a readable description and space for the barcode. Add a photo, endorsement, or website only when it helps the reader. IngramSpark's book cover guide outlines the common elements and how they fit into the cover.

Start with a hook and book description

The description, often called a blurb or back cover copy, gives readers a reason to open the book. A hook is its opening line. It introduces a problem, question, or situation that makes someone want to know more.

For fiction, focus on the main character, the central conflict, and what the character stands to lose. For practical nonfiction, explain who the book helps and what readers can learn or do. Jessi Rita Hoffman's guide to writing back cover copy explains this difference.

Keep the opening specific. “A story about courage and friendship” could describe many books. A character facing a concrete problem gives the reader more to work with.

Fiction example

Hypothetical example for a mystery:

When Mara inherits her father's repair shop, she finds a list of names hidden inside a radio. One belongs to a woman who vanished last winter. Another is her own. As Mara follows the list, someone begins removing evidence from the shop. She has until Friday to find out why her father kept it and who wants it destroyed.

This example introduces a character, a discovery, and a deadline. It leaves the solution open. Use the same approach with your own story, and keep every detail true to the manuscript.

Nonfiction example

Hypothetical example for a container gardening guide:

Grow herbs and vegetables in the space you have. This guide helps beginners choose containers, plan a watering routine, and match plants to the sunlight on a balcony or patio. It includes planting plans and a seasonal checklist to help you decide what to do next.

The description names the audience and the tasks the book covers. Mention worksheets, recipes, checklists, or exercises only when they're included. Avoid promising results that the book can't support.

Children’s book example

For a children's book, introduce the story in language that matches its tone. Then consider what a parent, teacher, or gift buyer needs to know. A brief note about reading age, subject, or included activities may help.

Hypothetical example for a picture book:

Ben has practiced his song all week. But when the curtain opens, the words won't come. With his friend waiting beside him, Ben must find a way to begin. A story about speaking up, asking for help, and trying again.

If your book includes reading questions or an activity at the back, you can mention that feature. Keep claims about learning or development tied to what the book actually offers.

Choose the supporting details

Once the description works, decide what else earns a place on the back cover. Ask what each item helps the reader understand. This also gives you a way to cut material when the layout feels crowded.

Review quotes and endorsements

A review quote can give readers another person's view of the book. Choose one that says something specific about the reading experience or subject. Check the wording and attribution, and get the approval needed to use it.

If you don't have an endorsement, leave it out. You can still give readers a clear description. Avoid filling the space with unsupported claims such as “everyone's favorite” or “guaranteed to change your life.”

Author bio and photo

Use a short bio when your background adds useful context. For nonfiction, that might be relevant work, study, or lived experience. For fiction, it could be a connection to the setting or a brief mention of other books.

You can place a longer bio inside the book. Treat an author photo as a design choice. Before adding one, check whether the remaining space still allows the description to be read with ease.

Publisher details and series information

A publisher name or logo identifies the imprint. An author website can give readers somewhere to learn more. If the book is part of a series, consider including the series name and book number. That can help someone understand where to start.

Keep these details small enough to sit below the main copy while remaining readable. Use a website address that you expect to maintain, and check it before the cover goes to print.

Leave room for the ISBN barcode

Confirm how your printer handles the barcode before approving the layout. An ISBN identifies a particular edition and format. The barcode allows it to be scanned. For a standard print edition, make sure the ISBN in the barcode matches the edition you're publishing.

Amazon KDP can add a barcode when you upload a cover without one. If you supply your own, it must meet KDP's barcode requirements. Keep text and key artwork out of the reserved area.

IngramSpark's print file requirements state that a barcode is required. If you don't supply one, IngramSpark adds it. Its checklist asks for a clear area measuring 1.75 inches wide by 1 inch high.

Use the current template for your chosen printer and format. Avoid copying barcode placement from another book, since its specifications may differ.

A price code in a custom KDP barcode is optional. If you include one, KDP says it must match the list price. Decide whether to print a price during cover planning, and review it whenever you change the book's pricing.

Adjust the content for the book format

A paperback usually places the description and supporting information on the back panel. A hardcover with a dust jacket has extra space on its flaps, so some copy can move there. IngramSpark's cover guide describes those options.

Check the binding before planning flap copy. KDP hardcovers use case laminate, with artwork printed directly on the cover. They don't have a dust jacket.

For an ebook, adapt the description for its online listing. You can use the same central message, then adjust the length and formatting for the retailer. A barcode box belongs to the print cover layout.

Arrange the back cover so it is easy to read

Give the description the space it needs first. A practical arrangement is a hook near the top, the description beneath it, and selected supporting details below. Reserve the barcode space before adding other elements.

Use a font that remains readable at the book's actual size. Leave space between paragraphs and make sure the text stands out from the background. If the design is crowded, remove a repeated idea or optional detail before reducing the type.

Finalize the layout using the book's trim size, paper choice, and formatted page count. The KDP cover calculator uses these specifications to create a cover template. A change to the interior can affect the cover dimensions, so check the template again after layout changes.

Common back cover mistakes

Giving away the ending removes the question your fiction description is meant to raise. Introducing several subplots can also make the central story hard to follow. Keep the focus on the main conflict.

For nonfiction, vague promises leave readers unsure what they're buying. Name the problem, the intended reader, and the material the book provides. Check that the description matches the finished book.

Another mistake is proofreading only before design. Read the copy again in the final cover file. Look for missing words, broken line endings, incorrect names, and text that has moved too close to an edge.

Check the cover before publication

Before you approve the file, work through these checks:

·        Can someone understand the book's subject or premise from the opening?

·        Does every promise match the manuscript?

·        Are quotes accurate and names spelled correctly?

·        Does the ISBN match this print edition?

·        Is the barcode area clear?

·        Can you read the copy at the finished book size?

·        Have you checked the printer's preview and a printed proof?

For KDP, you can order a proof copy after approving the book in Print Previewer. Use it to check the text size, placement, and appearance on paper.

Write the description before filling the space

Draft the hook and description first. Then ask someone who hasn't read the manuscript to explain what they think the book is about. Revise any point they misunderstand before sending the copy to your designer.

If you'd like help preparing your book for publication, contact Publishmojo to discuss your project.