RESOURCES
Files & Downloads
Thanks for signing up! Your free MS Word book cover templates are on this page. Download them first; the tutorials and design tools are optional. If you want more guided help, the DIY Book Design & Formatting Bundle is a separate paid upgrade.
Does Your Book Cover Suck
If you've got a concept or basic book cover, try out our book cover critique tool for some instant feedback! It'll let you know if your cover is good enough to sell your story.
Book Cover Generator
For over a decade, my book cover templates have been an affordable alternative to give indie authors more control and freedom. But there's never been a 1-click book cover generator... until now.
Start with your free templates
Download the Word samples first. Then, if you need help using them, watch the short lessons below or read the free cover design guide. You can also test a draft cover with Book Cover Critic. Everything in this section is free; the paid bundle is optional.
Lesson 1
7 Must-Have Qualities for a Cover that Sells. 3 foolproof strategies, a 10-step checklist, and the #1 secret of book design.
Lesson 2
Cover Design Basics (Starter Video Series): Where to get fonts and images...without asking for a lawsuit.
Lesson 3
Getting Started: Installing the templates + researching your audience and genre to attract the right readers.
Lesson 4
Finding & Using Images: The best and cheapest places to find amazing, royalty-free stock (that won't get you in hot water).
Lesson 5
Adding Text & Fonts: The fonts dictate the genre and level of professionalism - don't get this part wrong or slap on some text.
Lesson 6
Making a Full Print Cover: Calculating the spine width and creating print-ready PDF files
Lesson 7
Promotion and Book Marketing: Now that your book is up for sale, you need to get book reviews, grow your fanbase and increase visibility. Find out how.
MS Word Templates
Download the original Microsoft Word templates. New to editing them? Watch the “Using the Templates” tutorial (Lesson 3) above for a walkthrough.
Free Cover Design Guide
Read Cover Design Secrets That Sell for practical guidance on choosing images, typography, and genre signals before you finish your cover.
Cover Design Secrets That Sell
Start with the free MS Word sample templates and Cover Design Secrets That Sell guide above. These are useful starting points—not a custom cover made for your book. Compare your draft with other covers in your genre, then adjust the image, typography, and layout so readers can recognize what kind of book it is. If you want more choices and step-by-step instruction, the current paid bundle adds 150 editable Word cover templates and five courses.
SPECIAL OFFER
DIY Book Design & Formatting Bundle
The free samples are a starting point. For more cover options and help making them your own, get 150 editable Word cover templates (80 fiction, 70 nonfiction), interior formatting templates, and five courses on cover design, formatting, editing, and book marketing. One $39 payment, with instant access.
Bundle access: $39
Get all these benefits
Get the current bundle of Word cover templates and practical self-publishing courses.
Pssst! Looking for nonfiction covers? Check this out!
Included: REACH YOUR READERS
REACH YOUR READERS (Original) is one of the five included courses. Learn the fundamentals of author platforms, email lists, and book marketing at your own pace.
About The Designer
Derek Murphy
I spent a decade in a library getting my PhD in Literature, and spent most of that time reading Paradise Lost and helping authors publish better books, as an editor and cover designer. I have tons of free resources, but you can start with these two books (just click the images to download!)
I've also got a ton of advanced publishing tips on YouTube.
Want more design help?
Make the free templates your own
The free pack gives you six Word cover templates. The $39 bundle gives you 150 cover templates, interior formatting templates, and five courses to help you choose, customize, and prepare your book for publication. Pay once and start right away.
Copyright © DIYBookCovers. All Rights Reserved
How do I open the templates?
Find and download the .zip files and extract them to your computer. You’ll need Microsoft Word to open the .word files and Photoshop to open the optional .psd files.
Can I grab any images from the internet?
Absolutely not – but there are tons of royalty free options, as long as you know how to search. In the videos I’ll share a trick for finding the photo’s original owner or license info.
Can I use the images and fonts in the templates?
No. These templates are meant to be training wheels to help you get started – you'll need to replace the images and artwork to make it work. I will show you where to find stock photos, or how to generate AI art, and you can blend the layers together in my free online tool.
What if I can't find any templates I like?
If you like the idea and understand the process, you’ll find a much wider variety of templates in the master package of templates. You can upgrade anytime, but you’ll get the best deal if you take action today.
Can I hire you to design my book?
I’ve trained a team of designers to take over my workload and work with clients, so now I’m more of a creative director than a designer, but all our work is guaranteed. You can see our portfolio at www.creativindiecovers.com
How do I publish and market my book?
This is a huge topic, and I have a lot of articles on www.creativindie.com, but the free book and videos above should help with the basics. If you're ready to get more serious and need some book marketing or launch help, I have courses and a coaching program available.