Need advice on KDP paperback cover

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

My children's book was originally published by Penguin. I have the rights back, and the illustrator's permission to use her illustrations and cover. I'm using the original front cover for the ebook. The book is only 42 pages and is stapled with no spine. Can I scan in the cover and save it as a PDF and use it for the KDP print cover? What happens about a spine?
I don't sell enough copies to warrant spending money on a cover artist or a new cover. 
Thanks in advance.

[RPatton]

You can try it, but scanning will likely just create a muddied image that won't do well in print.

Your best option is to reach out to the original artist and request a copy. If they won't give you an .eps (which is reasonable for them to withhold it, since it's the original file), perhaps that can generate and over-sized .png you can use on your cover.

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

You can try it, but scanning will likely just create a muddied image that won't do well in print.

Your best option is to reach out to the original artist and request a copy. If they won't give you an .eps (which is reasonable for them to withhold it, since it's the original file), perhaps that can generate and over-sized .png you can use on your cover.

Thanks. The publishers (Penguin) made the cover using the illustrator's drawings, so no hope of getting that. I don't think KDP accept .png covers.

[Simon Haynes]

Irfanview will convert PNG to JPG, and it's free. (Donationware)

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

Irfanview will convert PNG to JPG, and it's free. (Donationware)

Thanks. I've got Irfanview.
I just want to know if it will work if I scan the cover in and save it as a PDF. The cover is stapled so I can take out the staples and lay it flat.

[Simon Haynes]

If you email me the scan, the finished book size (as per the setting in KDP Print), the total page count and whether the interior is cream or white paper, I'll get the right KDP template and put the scan in position, then send you back a PDF.

They don't bother with a spine if the page count is below a certain number, but they're very fussy about text appearing outside their safety margins.

My email address is on this page: http://www.spacejock.com.au/contact.html

Below is a typical KDP print template, this one for a 280-page novel.

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

If you email me the scan, the finished book size (as per the setting in KDP Print), the total page count and whether the interior is cream or white paper, I'll get the right KDP template and put the scan in position, then send you back a PDF.

They don't bother with a spine if the page count is below a certain number, but they're very fussy about text appearing outside their safety margins.

My email address is on this page: http://www.spacejock.com.au/contact.html

Below is a typical KDP print template, this one for a 280-page novel.

Thanks so much. That's very generous of you. 

[RPatton]

Since the original file is a no-go...

I have a suggestion. Don't use your home scanner. Head over to  print shop or a fed ex store or ups store or whatever and see if they have a scanner capable of scanning the image with as little loss as possible.

An at home scanner, no matter how good, is going to have some pixel loss. While that wouldn't be an issue for a digital cover, it could be an issue for a print cover (you won't know for sure and a lot depends on the image until you get a proof). The best scan you can possible get will hopefully eliminate most of those problems. Also, let them know that the purpose of the scan is for print, not digital (will make a difference).

While it's definitely feasible, expect the worst possible result and be pleasantly surprised when it works

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

Since the original file is a no-go...

I have a suggestion. Don't use your home scanner. Head over to  print shop or a fed ex store or ups store or whatever and see if they have a scanner capable of scanning the image with as little loss as possible.

An at home scanner, no matter how good, is going to have some pixel loss. While that wouldn't be an issue for a digital cover, it could be an issue for a print cover (you won't know for sure and a lot depends on the image until you get a proof). The best scan you can possible get will hopefully eliminate most of those problems. Also, let them know that the purpose of the scan is for print, not digital (will make a difference).

While it's definitely feasible, expect the worst possible result and be pleasantly surprised when it works

Thanks. Simon has kindly converted my scanned cover to the correct size PDF.

[RPatton]

I'm curious as to how the scanned image worked, so keep us posted.

[Simon Haynes]

Jan - you're welcome to post it here for public comment. (I'd post it myself, but it's not mine to share.)  I know it's a little wonky where the spine crease and staples were, but that'll be folded around a tiny little spine and so shouldn't be noticeable in the finished item.

Also, your query about the barcode/ISBN.

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

Jan - you're welcome to post it here for public comment. (I'd post it myself, but it's not mine to share.)  I know it's a little wonky where the spine crease and staples were, but that'll be folded around a tiny little spine and so shouldn't be noticeable in the finished item.

Also, your query about the barcode/ISBN.

Hi Simon,
I'm happy for you to post the image  By the time I've sorted out uploading it to Photobucket you could probably have done it in half the time 

[Simon Haynes]

This forum allows attachments. Easy as!

Original and fixed versions below.

[Jan Hurst-Nicholson]

Thanks to Simon I was able to order a proof copy of Bheki. A bit nerve-wracking as I haven't ordered anything from Amazon for about 10 years so lots of updating of info. I might have made a mistake when they asked for the nearest place to ship from. In SA we have to buy through Amazon.com so I put Amazon.com. It might have been cheaper for shipping to put Amazon UK.
The CreateSpace books took about twice/three times as long to arrive as their estimated arrival date. I usually had to let them know the books hadn't arrived and they would send duplicate copies. I hope the copy of Bheki arrives on time (and I don't have to pay horrendous customs duty!  )

ETA Our postal system is not the most efficient.

[Vijaya]

Jan, it looks lovely!

Simon, you're the best!