Is there a step-by-step instruction on How to Prepare a Book Cover?

Question

Is there a step-by-step instruction on How to Prepare a Book Cover?

Answer 1

f peter,
Maybe, but it depends on the method of binding. Presuming a soft cover from back (flap) over spine to front (flap), corresponding to a normal section sewing or normal glued paperback, at least the following steps apply:
1) Determination of the size of the front/back cover, corresponding to the paper size used for the (text) block (with the addition of the spine thickness); for books with flaps also the width of the flaps (remember to add at least some 2 mm to the width of the front/back cover to get a grip, you may get the feeling by looking a a few books with flaps);
2) Determination of the the width of the spine: this is determined by the width of the (text) block (with the addition of twice the cover thickness) which again depends on the page number (including possible blank pages) and the paper stock; normally, the printer/binder will tell you;
3) General layout with final cut size, (outside that) bleed, marks for cutting (which in some applications/versions are termed crop marks) and folding, registration marks, and possibly other printer's marks (you may find that in the Helpfile of the application; marks for folding are probably not included); especially in connexion with a high quality book, a crease for reverse folding some 7 mm from the folds at the spine may preserve the contact between front/back cover and spine/block (this is the first defense line against a battered look and tearing off the cover);
4) Creation and positioning of the artwork; remember that the folds break the artwork into separate parts viewed separately/at different angles, and avoid crucial parts close to the folds which should form transitions or be empty (with just the background colour).
As it appears from 2), you will have to talk to the printer/binder in any case. Get as much information as you can get about what they need/want.
And remember prepress proofing.
Obviously, there is much more to say.