How to Make a Dust Jacket for a Novel

Make the dust jacket easily identifiable so you can quickly recognize the book.

Dust jackets help protect your book from scuffs as you slide it over tables and into bookshelves, but they can start to look ratty after extensive use. You can make a replacement jacket that will guard your book just as well with the added benefit of customization. One size doesn't fit all, though, so take the specific needs of your book into consideration when you construct the dust jacket.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Roll of construction paper
• Printer
• Pencil
• Tape

Instructions

1. Open your book and lay it page down on a flat surface. Measure the length and width of the entire cover. Cut a piece of paper that is as tall as the book's cover and 50 percent longer (or simply add 1/2 of the original length in inches to the measurement).

2. Print or draw graphics onto the paper. You can use the original book cover to decorate the dust jacket or you can create your own design depending on your preference.

3. Set your book on its side on the piece of paper and open the cover. Fold the paper over the end of the cover so it covers half of the inside cover. Close the cover and wrap the paper around the spine of the book to the other side.

4. Open the back cover of the book and fold the excess paper over it. It should cover half of the inside of the back cover.

5. Lay your book on its spine and open it. Place a 1-inch piece of tape on the ends of the dust jacket at the center. This holds the jacket in place lightly without ruining the jacket or the inside of the cover.

6. Place another piece of tape over the tops and bottoms of the cover about 1 inch from the outer corners. Fold the tape over the edge of the cover so it makes the dust jacket more secure.

References

• University of Iowa; Making a Dust Jacket for Your Book; Douglas Jones