How to Create a Hardcover Version of Your KDP Book

niall132231
4 days ago
3 min read

Publishing your book in hardcover format used to be a privilege reserved for traditional publishers. Today, thanks to Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), self-published authors can now offer professional-looking hardcover editions of their books with no upfront cost.

In this guide, you'll learn step-by-step how to create and publish a hardcover version of your book through KDP.

Why Publish a Hardcover Book?

Adding a hardcover edition can boost your credibility and sales. Here’s why:

Increased perceived value – Readers often associate hardcovers with premium quality.
Gift-worthy product – Hardcovers make great gifts, especially for nonfiction or coffee table books.
Higher royalty potential – You can price hardcover books higher than paperbacks.
Expanded reach – Some readers and libraries prefer hardcovers over paperbacks.

Step 1: Check If Your Book Is Eligible for Hardcover

As of 2025, Amazon KDP allows hardcover publishing for:

Books between 75 and 800 pages
Trim sizes: 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", and others (case laminate only)
Black and white or color interiors
Books without bleed are recommended for simplicity

Note: KDP does not yet support dust jackets—only case laminate covers (the artwork is printed directly on the hardcover).

Step 2: Format Your Manuscript for Hardcover

If you already have a formatted manuscript for paperback, you're 90% there. Here's what you need to adjust:

Page Count: Make sure it falls within the 75–800 range.
Margins: Double-check margins against hardcover requirements.
Gutter Space: Leave enough space near the spine to accommodate the hardcover binding.

KDP provides downloadable templates for each trim size: 👉 KDP Hardcover Template Page

Step 3: Design a Hardcover Cover

Your hardcover cover must include:

Front cover
Back cover
Spine

Important: Hardcover covers require a different template than paperbacks. Go to KDP’s Cover Calculator and Template Generator and select “Hardcover” to generate a correctly-sized template based on your trim size and page count.

You can create your cover using:

Canva (free, with custom dimensions upload)
BookBolt Designer (premium)
Adobe InDesign or Affinity Publisher (advanced users)

Make sure to export the cover as a PDF file.

Step 4: Upload to Amazon KDP

Now you’re ready to publish your hardcover edition. Here’s how:

Go to your KDP Dashboard
Click “Create Hardcover”
Select the existing book you want to create a hardcover version for or start from scratch
Enter your book details (title, subtitle, author, etc.)
Upload your manuscript (PDF) and cover file (PDF)
Use the Print Previewer to review how your book will look
Choose pricing, territories, and distribution
Click Publish

It may take up to 72 hours for your hardcover to go live.

Step 5: Order a Proof Copy

Before launching your hardcover to the public, it's smart to order a proof copy for yourself. This lets you:

Check the print quality
Inspect your cover alignment
Ensure the interior layout looks good in hardcover format

Tips for a Successful Hardcover Launch

Bundle formats: Offer paperback, ebook, and hardcover together to maximize your audience.
Highlight the hardcover on your website and social media as a “premium” edition.
Use KDP's Expanded Distribution to reach libraries and bookstores (availability may vary).

Recommended Tools

Amazon KDP Previewer: For checking how your hardcover will look
Canva: For DIY cover design
BookBolt: For interior templates and cover generators
Atticus or Vellum (for Mac): For easy formatting and exporting of print-ready files

Conclusion

Publishing a hardcover version of your book on Amazon KDP is a powerful way to boost your credibility, increase sales, and offer your readers more options.

You don’t need to hire a professional or have prior design experience—just follow the steps above, use KDP’s free tools, and you'll have a beautiful hardcover book ready to share with the world.

Ready to upgrade your book? Start creating your hardcover edition today!