When KDP asks you to choose a cover finish during setup, they present two equal-cost options with no way to preview them digitally. To make an informed choice without ordering multiple proofs—though ordering one physical proof is still wise—here’s a breakdown of how to decide.
The Quick Recommendation
Fiction is usually matte. The vast majority of trade paperbacks from traditional publishers use a matte finish (often with special effects not available in print-on-demand). Matte has become the visual signal for a “real” novel, and most self-published fiction follows suit to fit reader expectations.
Photography-heavy covers, children’s books and workbooks are usually glossy. A glossy coating makes colors more vibrant and contrast deeper. It also creates a more durable, wipeable surface, which is why books meant for frequent handling, like kids’ picture books or reference guides, typically use gloss.
The Practical Trade-Offs
How the two compare:
| Matte | Glossy | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Soft, muted, literary | Sharp, vivid, high-contrast |
| Texture | Velvety, smooth | Slick, shiny |
| Handling Marks | Shows scuffs and shiny polish marks, especially on dark covers | Shows glare; fingerprints are easier to wipe off |
| Durability | More prone to edge wear and can curl in humid conditions | More resistant to moisture |
| KDP Price | Same | Same |
One finish-specific point: Dark matte covers show handling marks the most. A deep black or dark-colored matte cover will develop shiny patches wherever it rubs against something, like a mailer or a bag. If your cover design is very dark and you expect the book to be handled frequently, consider lightening the design or opting for a glossy finish instead.
How Your Cover Art is Affected
- Matte slightly dulls color saturation and can flatten deep blacks. Since printing already tends to darken colors compared to your screen (learn why here), a dark, moody design can lose more detail than you anticipate. Brightening the shadows before the file is final helps.
- Glossy intensifies everything—both the good and the bad. High-quality, crisp photographs will look premium and rich, but any low-resolution or flawed artwork will have its imperfections amplified.
When the Genre Chooses for You
In many categories, an unspoken standard exists. Literary fiction and most genre novels are almost exclusively matte. Photography books and children’s picture books are overwhelmingly glossy. The goal is for the finish to be invisible; it only gets noticed when it breaks the genre’s convention. The books next to yours on the virtual shelf show the convention.
No matter which finish you select, it does not change the file specifications for your upload. The dimensions, bleed, and color space requirements remain exactly the same (detailed in the cover size requirements guide).
Sources
- Publishing.co.uk: Matte vs glossy book covers on KDP — genre conventions
- Corey McCullough: KDP glossy vs matte, side-by-side — photographed comparisons
- ebookpbook: Matte vs glossy cover finish — durability and handling notes
