kdp-cover-matcher

name	kdp-cover-matcher
description	Match KDP back-cover and spine colors to user-provided front-cover art through iterative visual review

KDP Cover Color Matcher Skill

Description

Use this skill when modifying or matching solid back-cover/spine colors to front-cover images for KDP book generation. The agent should iteratively test colors, review the generated result, and finally open the finished PDF so the user can give feedback for each book type.

Input Rules

• Only analyze the front-cover images explicitly provided by the user in the current request.
• Do not inspect, infer from, or pull in any other images from the workspace unless the user explicitly provides them for this task.
• Process a maximum of 10 user-provided images in a single request.
• If the user provides more than 10 images, stop and ask the user to resend them in batches of 10 or fewer.

Criteria and Principles

• Anchoring Colors: Choose a dark, anchoring color from the front cover (like those found in titles, banners, or deep gradient elements).
• Legibility: Avoid very light, neon, or pastel colors. The white text on the back cover MUST remain highly legible, and it must print well in CMYK.
• Harmony: The solid back color should feel like a seamless extension of the front artwork.

Workflow

1. Analyze the Front Cover:

   • Look only at the front cover image or images provided by the user in the current request.
   • Do not use any additional images beyond the ones the user supplied.
   • If more than 10 images were supplied, stop and ask the user to split the request into smaller batches.
   • Identify the book type from the image name or user prompt.
   • Pick a hex color from the major architectural elements of the image (e.g., deep blues, greens, dark reds).

2. Update the Build Script:

   • Open scripts/generate_kdp_cover.py.
   • Update the color in the COVER_BG_COLORS dictionary under the correct book type. Do not use the # prefix.

3. Generate the Cover PDF:

   • Run the KDP generator for a sample state (e.g., Texas):

     python3 scripts/generate_kdp_cover.py --book-type [book_type] --states texas
     

4. Convert to Image:

   • Convert the generated PDF to a temporary JPG for visual inspection:

     pdftoppm -jpeg -r 150 -singlefile final_output/kdp_covers/[book_type]/texas.pdf /tmp/kdp_cover_static
     

5. Visual Inspection:

   • View /tmp/kdp_cover_static.jpg using your visual capabilities.
   • Evaluate whether the solid back cover and spine look great, complement the front cover, and maintain high text legibility.

6. Open the Final PDF for User Feedback:

   • Open final_output/kdp_covers/[book_type]/texas.pdf for the user after the agent is satisfied with the current version.
   • Let the user review the full PDF and give feedback on that specific book type before moving on.

7. Iterate:

   • If the color requires adjustment (e.g., too saturated, clashes with the border, text too hard to read), pick a slightly modified or different tone.
   • Repeat steps 2-6 until you visually confirm it's a perfect match and the user is satisfied.
   • When reviewing multiple book types, complete this full loop separately for each one.