If writers do not have a cover we will create a template one for them, or we can work with images they send as per our submission instructions. We've also had queries from some writers who wish to take on the challenge of creating all-in-one covers. Like most things this is simple or advanced depending on whether you have done it before.

Please read the instructions below to create an all in one cover properly.

Below is a simple cover calculator from our printers that will enable those who wish to create all in one covers to make them to the exact required specifications for a 6 inches wide x 9 inches high book. Only this calculator should be used as it is specific to the paper weights used by our printers. When using the calculator, follow these instructions:

1) Content type. Select B&W for interior black and white text

2) Paper Type. Select Creme

3) Book Type. Select B&W 6 x 9 or 229 x 152 mm Perfect Bound on Creme. This is the choice at the bottom of the drop down menu.

Then add your number of interior pages and click the calculate button.

Covers can be either black and white or colour.

View Spine Width Calculator

For those who wish to create all in one covers, you should also follow these instructions exactly:

1) Allow .25 inch 'bleed' on all sides of your cover. Bleed is a printing term that refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet after the cover is trimmed. The bleed is the part on the sides of your document that gives the printer that small amount of space to move around paper and design inconsistencies. Basically, in practical terms, this means that when creating a jpeg for your 6 inches wide x 9 inches high book you should add .25 inch to the size of the 6 inches wide x 9 inches high jpeg on all sides for your all in one cover. A book without a bleed could, for example, lead to a book with a red cover having a small space of white on all sides so, for example, fill in the .25 inch bleed with your cover colour.

2) You should not put text on your cover within .5 inch of the trim edge of the book (where the printers cut to make it a 6 inches wide x 9 inches high book.

3) Spines. For safety, spine text should be at least .0625 inches from the sides of the spine. And remember to not put text within .5 inch of the bottom and top of the spine.

4) Barcode. Allow a blank space of 1.75 inches wide x 1 inch high on your back cover for the bar code. If you look at a closed book, the bar code will usually be on the bottom right hand side of a book. On your jpeg for your an all in one cover, this equates to it being to the left of the spine on the back cover.


They also have a cover generator that it is advisable to use if you are able to. Add ten zeroes to the box where they ask for ISBN. If this is too complicated to use, follow the instructions above if you wish to create your own all in one cover.

View Cover Generator

Thanks, Ted, that's great. But...

Are you saying we have a choice:

1. Calculate the correct cover size, and the Legend staff will put on the text.

2. Create the entire cover with text as we want it.

I ask because I don't feel comfortable doing the whole cover. But I have a 'rough' example the Legend Press people could crib from.

Lisa

For those attempting all in one covers .. as mentioned Lightning Source have a cover generator that it is advisable to use if you are able to. Add ten zeroes to the box where they ask for ISBN. If this is too complicated for you to use, follow the instructions in the first post above if you wish to attempt to create your own all in one cover.

View Cover Generator