Download a book cover template. The template for a book cover includes the front page, back page, spine, as well as the margins that may or may not be seen. Template generators can estimate the size of the spine based on the number of pages in the publication and adjust the other elements to your specification.
Use simple and bold designs. Eye-catching designs are uncomplicated and striking. A strong contrast between solid colors or simple primary shapes can achieve that effect.
Use clear lettering on the spine. Often the spine is seen first in a book store, and book sellers, book designers, writers and readers are aware of this fact. Use a font size that resonates visually.
Compare the subject of your book cover to top-selling book covers with the same subject. Though you want to produce a cover that stands out, you also want to design a cover that conveys with visual cues what the subject matter is without the observer having to read it.
Edit the elements of your book cover in a graphic design program. Try different sizes, shapes and colors to produce harmony between all the elements.
Harmonize the wording on the cover, the author's name and the synopsis with the graphics. The overall impression of the book cover should be cohesive. The graphics and the wording need to send the same message.
Compare your finished product to other books with the same subject. If your design does not stand out among the books you have designed in an appealing way that clearly conveys the intended message about the contents of the book, then you need to adjust the elements of the book cover until that effect is achieved.