6 answers
Isabelle
Student
Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden
1
Question
Asked
1500 views
How do I make a cover for my book?
I don't want to have to pay money and don't want to use AI
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6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Isabelle!
First of all, Huge respect for wanting to create your own book cover with zero money and zero AI. I totally love it because....... Well just love it I mean, yo, you doing it is better of than an Ai, we created em🤪! That's pure artist energy right there. The good news is, you're totally capable of making something beautiful all by yourself — not just as a placeholder until you can afford a designer, but something that screams "This book is 1000% mine."
Everyone here gave some great advice (shoutout to Saint, Miracle, and Bright holding it down with Canva and GIMP), but let's take this whole DIY journey even deeper — not just how to make a cover, but how to pour your soul into it so it feels like an extension of your story.
1. Before you touch a single design app, feel out your book's soul. What's the mood? What's the secret message hiding between the lines? Is your story soft and poetic or dark and chaotic? Close your eyes and ask yourself:
If this book was a song, what would it sound like?
If it was a color palette, what colors would never, ever be allowed in it?
If someone found this book in 100 years, what kind of cover would make them pick it up and feel something before they even read the blurb?
That little vision in your head — that's your cover before you even design a pixel.
2. Steal Like an Artist (But Make It Yours)
Pinterest, make it Your new bestie. Make a secret mood board of book covers you absolutely adore — not to copy, but to crack the code on what makes them work. Notice things like:
Are they minimalist or bursting with details?
Do they use muted colors or loud, punchy ones?
Typography front and center or tucked away?
Once you've got the blueprint, twist it into something that's 100% you.
3. Handmade > Digital (And Completely Free)
Okay, here's where you can totally one-up everyone who just clicks around Canva: draw, paint, or collage your own cover by hand. Even if you're not a professional artist, rough, imperfect lines can give your cover that raw, indie energy that no AI or polished template could ever recreate.
Scribble the title in your own handwriting.
Splash watercolor across some paper.
Rip up magazines and glue them into something weird and beautiful.
Take a photo of your masterpiece, throw it into Canva or GIMP, and layer the text on top. Congratulations — you've just made something no one else on the planet could ever replicate.
4. Typography Is Everything Isabelle!
The font alone can set the whole mood of your book. Want something soft and nostalgic? Try Cormorant Garamond (Google Fonts). Going for eerie and unsettling? IM Fell English will have your readers sleeping with the lights on. Clean and modern? Montserrat always delivers.
A tip I can say: Use one font for your title and a totally different one for your name — it gives that indie press aesthetic without trying too hard.
5. Less Perfect, More Magic
Your cover doesn't have to look like a Penguin Classics reprint, it just needs to feel authentic to your story. Slightly off-center text? Gorgeous. Handwritten title with uneven lines? Even better. The little imperfections are what will make your book cover feel alive.
Final Touch in Isabelle,
Before you hit save, do this one last trick:
Zoom out. Squint your eyes. Ask yourself — would I pick this book up if I saw it across the room?
If the answer is yes, but I don't know why, well, you're done.
Your cover isn't just packaging — it's the first spell you're casting on your reader. Whether it's clean or chaotic, handmade or digital, the real magic happens when the cover feels like it could only belong to your story, your hands, your heart.
Now I do write novals myself, my own books, unfinished ofcourse. But I wanted to have my own cover page as well, not wanted AI and I really am bad with the art unless it's landscapes or just copying, and I had the idea for my cover, what I did?..... Uhum well... I just found my artist... My sister and made her do it 🤣. Just sayin... There are ways. 😏
Now go make something that future-you will look at in 10 years and say, "OMG... I made that."
First of all, Huge respect for wanting to create your own book cover with zero money and zero AI. I totally love it because....... Well just love it I mean, yo, you doing it is better of than an Ai, we created em🤪! That's pure artist energy right there. The good news is, you're totally capable of making something beautiful all by yourself — not just as a placeholder until you can afford a designer, but something that screams "This book is 1000% mine."
Everyone here gave some great advice (shoutout to Saint, Miracle, and Bright holding it down with Canva and GIMP), but let's take this whole DIY journey even deeper — not just how to make a cover, but how to pour your soul into it so it feels like an extension of your story.
1. Before you touch a single design app, feel out your book's soul. What's the mood? What's the secret message hiding between the lines? Is your story soft and poetic or dark and chaotic? Close your eyes and ask yourself:
If this book was a song, what would it sound like?
If it was a color palette, what colors would never, ever be allowed in it?
If someone found this book in 100 years, what kind of cover would make them pick it up and feel something before they even read the blurb?
That little vision in your head — that's your cover before you even design a pixel.
2. Steal Like an Artist (But Make It Yours)
Pinterest, make it Your new bestie. Make a secret mood board of book covers you absolutely adore — not to copy, but to crack the code on what makes them work. Notice things like:
Are they minimalist or bursting with details?
Do they use muted colors or loud, punchy ones?
Typography front and center or tucked away?
Once you've got the blueprint, twist it into something that's 100% you.
3. Handmade > Digital (And Completely Free)
Okay, here's where you can totally one-up everyone who just clicks around Canva: draw, paint, or collage your own cover by hand. Even if you're not a professional artist, rough, imperfect lines can give your cover that raw, indie energy that no AI or polished template could ever recreate.
Scribble the title in your own handwriting.
Splash watercolor across some paper.
Rip up magazines and glue them into something weird and beautiful.
Take a photo of your masterpiece, throw it into Canva or GIMP, and layer the text on top. Congratulations — you've just made something no one else on the planet could ever replicate.
4. Typography Is Everything Isabelle!
The font alone can set the whole mood of your book. Want something soft and nostalgic? Try Cormorant Garamond (Google Fonts). Going for eerie and unsettling? IM Fell English will have your readers sleeping with the lights on. Clean and modern? Montserrat always delivers.
A tip I can say: Use one font for your title and a totally different one for your name — it gives that indie press aesthetic without trying too hard.
5. Less Perfect, More Magic
Your cover doesn't have to look like a Penguin Classics reprint, it just needs to feel authentic to your story. Slightly off-center text? Gorgeous. Handwritten title with uneven lines? Even better. The little imperfections are what will make your book cover feel alive.
Final Touch in Isabelle,
Before you hit save, do this one last trick:
Zoom out. Squint your eyes. Ask yourself — would I pick this book up if I saw it across the room?
If the answer is yes, but I don't know why, well, you're done.
Your cover isn't just packaging — it's the first spell you're casting on your reader. Whether it's clean or chaotic, handmade or digital, the real magic happens when the cover feels like it could only belong to your story, your hands, your heart.
Now I do write novals myself, my own books, unfinished ofcourse. But I wanted to have my own cover page as well, not wanted AI and I really am bad with the art unless it's landscapes or just copying, and I had the idea for my cover, what I did?..... Uhum well... I just found my artist... My sister and made her do it 🤣. Just sayin... There are ways. 😏
Now go make something that future-you will look at in 10 years and say, "OMG... I made that."
Thank you, Dr!
Sama
Saint P
SongWriter and Creative writer
75
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Saint’s Answer
Hi Isabelle!
If you want to make a book cover for free without using AI, you can use online design tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or GIMP. Canva is one of the easiest options since it provides free book cover templates that you can customize with your own text, images, and colors.
For images, websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer free, high-quality pictures that you can legally use. If you want to add unique fonts, you can find free options on Google Fonts or DaFont—just check that they are free for commercial use. The size of your book cover depends on the format.
For eBooks, a common size is 1600 x 2560 pixels. If you’re making a print book, the size will depend on your publisher’s requirements, so it’s best to check their guidelines. Once your cover is designed, save it as a JPEG or PNG in high resolution so it looks clear and professional.
Good luck!
Saint
If you want to make a book cover for free without using AI, you can use online design tools like Canva, Adobe Express, or GIMP. Canva is one of the easiest options since it provides free book cover templates that you can customize with your own text, images, and colors.
For images, websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer free, high-quality pictures that you can legally use. If you want to add unique fonts, you can find free options on Google Fonts or DaFont—just check that they are free for commercial use. The size of your book cover depends on the format.
For eBooks, a common size is 1600 x 2560 pixels. If you’re making a print book, the size will depend on your publisher’s requirements, so it’s best to check their guidelines. Once your cover is designed, save it as a JPEG or PNG in high resolution so it looks clear and professional.
Good luck!
Saint
Thank you, Saint!
Sama
Troy Dyer
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Amazon self publishing makes complete cover images and are very good if you take your time...free
Canva...free, do it all yourself, very good quality, free
Canva...free, do it all yourself, very good quality, free
Bob Swiryn, D.C.
Chiropractor
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Bob’s Answer
I recently self published a book through Kindle and found that creating my own cover design was better on Canvas.com than asking others to provide samples.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
To create a book cover without spending money or using AI, follow these steps:
1. Conceptualize Your Cover: Understand your genre and identify key elements such as the central theme, visual elements, and target audience. Choose a font that reflects the tone of your book, ensure the title is legible, and consider the placement and size of the title and author name.
2. Gathering Materials: Use your own photos, textures, and materials you already have to create a unique cover. Digital Tools (free options) include GIMP, Inkscape, and Canva.
3. Create Your Cover: Take a high-resolution photo related to your book, use GIMP or Canva to add your title and author name, experiment with filters and adjustments, and create a handmade art cover on paper or canvas. Choose a compelling font and create a design using only text, experiment with different font sizes, colors, and arrangements.
4. Combining Elements: Combine photos, handmade art, and typography to create a unique cover using layers in GIMP or Canva.
5. Important Considerations: Ensure your cover image is high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and check the specific requirements of your publishing platform.
6. Spine and Back Cover: Include your book's blurb, author bio, and ISBN on the back cover if creating a print cover. Keep it simple: A simple, clean design is often more effective than a cluttered one, and focus on conveying the essence of your book.
7. Get Feedback: Ask friends, family, or fellow writers for feedback on your cover design. Their perspective can help identify areas for improvement.
Key Advice: Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things, focus on creating a cover that reflects the tone and style of your book, remember that your cover is the first impression your book will make, and generate curiosity.
1. Conceptualize Your Cover: Understand your genre and identify key elements such as the central theme, visual elements, and target audience. Choose a font that reflects the tone of your book, ensure the title is legible, and consider the placement and size of the title and author name.
2. Gathering Materials: Use your own photos, textures, and materials you already have to create a unique cover. Digital Tools (free options) include GIMP, Inkscape, and Canva.
3. Create Your Cover: Take a high-resolution photo related to your book, use GIMP or Canva to add your title and author name, experiment with filters and adjustments, and create a handmade art cover on paper or canvas. Choose a compelling font and create a design using only text, experiment with different font sizes, colors, and arrangements.
4. Combining Elements: Combine photos, handmade art, and typography to create a unique cover using layers in GIMP or Canva.
5. Important Considerations: Ensure your cover image is high resolution (at least 300 dpi) and check the specific requirements of your publishing platform.
6. Spine and Back Cover: Include your book's blurb, author bio, and ISBN on the back cover if creating a print cover. Keep it simple: A simple, clean design is often more effective than a cluttered one, and focus on conveying the essence of your book.
7. Get Feedback: Ask friends, family, or fellow writers for feedback on your cover design. Their perspective can help identify areas for improvement.
Key Advice: Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things, focus on creating a cover that reflects the tone and style of your book, remember that your cover is the first impression your book will make, and generate curiosity.
Thank you so much, Bright!
Sama
Miracle Ugochukwu
writer
3
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
Miracle’s Answer
I make my book covers with Canva. It's free and easy to use. It's simple to understand. You should give it a try!