When considering the design of your book, don’t forget the dust jacket! Book dust jackets are a key component in a bookshelf-worthy book, providing a chance to make a memorable first impression. They also protect our beautiful heritage-style fabric and leather hardcover books from dust, grease, residue, and incidental damage.
Learn more about dust jackets, why you need one, and how to set up a dust jacket file for your order.
Dust jackets are removable, heavy paper covers that protect your book. They are typically printed in full color, and many dust jackets show off textural accents or glittering foil.
With a dust jacket cover, you can leave your book on a table, in a bag, or simply laying around without worrying that dust and accidental spills will penetrate the beautiful cover of your case bound book. The dust jacket’s heavyweight paper is typically coated, which adds another layer of protection.
You can leave a book jacket on all the time, remove it just while reading, or discard it altogether -- but be aware that many people collect dust jackets as book memorabilia!
Since their invention in the mid-19th century, people have used dust jackets both as decoration and protection for their most beloved and valued books. Now you can do the same on your own self-published books, with the add-on dust jacket service offered by 48 Hour Books.
With the advancement of printing technology, the options available for dust jackets are more beautiful, comprehensive, and varied than ever before. So, you’re no longer limited to simply foil stamping on the exterior of a hardcover book -- you can get as creative as you’d like with dust jackets!
These considerations will affect the size and design of your finished book dust jacket, which can impact the pricing and final look.
For example, if you’re choosing a budget-minded dust jacket, your book should be less than 6” x 9” finished size (see pricing table below).
Next, it’s time to plan the design of your book’s dust jacket. For example, will you match or coordinate with the underlying cover beneath the dust jacket, on the book itself?
Next, it’s time to plan the design of your book’s dust jacket. For example, will you match or coordinate with the underlying cover beneath the dust jacket, on the book itself?
Here are some considerations when designing your book dust jacket:
Since the dust jacket will completely cover your book’s cover, it should include all relevant cover information, such as:
You’ll also be able to include imagery, synopsis, and author information if desired, as well as pricing information. Be sure your file also includes at least 0.12” of bleed (extending images beyond the edge of your design) to ensure the best quality print.
A dust jacket is a great opportunity to show off your book’s professional, unique look. Elevate yours with Diamond 3D foil accents, textured paper, and full-color photography or illustrations.
Two 3.5” flaps wrap around the cover, holding the jacket in place and providing extra room for text and photos — the perfect space for an author bio or story synopsis.
Our dust jackets are printed beautifully on heavyweight, 100# Gloss Text paper and laminated in either a glossy or matte finish. You can also add texture effects for a truly luxurious look.
The pricing for book jacket printing depends on book size and orientation.
There is a $50 setup fee with a per-book charge; per-book charges vary by size.
Your choice of jacket texture also varies and will affect the final cost.
See below for details.
Book Size |
Set-Up |
Cost |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 6"x9" | $50 set-up | $3 ea. | ||
| Larger than to 6"x9" | $50 set-up | $4 ea. | ||
| All landscape books | $50 set-up | $4 ea. |
We’re eager to help you self-publish the book of your dreams. Contact us today to find out more or begin your order.
