Collectors of comics and vinyl have long known the benefits of protecting their prized possessions with mylar sleeves. Why should bibliophiles be any different? If you are going to spend the cash to get that coveted “first ed-ish,” you might as well invest in a book jacket cover. It will protect both the book and the book jacket and make your favorite books look both shiny and fancy. So without further ado, I humbly offer the polyester book jacket cover.

There are a couple different brands but I went with Brodart, which seems to be the industry standard. Visiting the website, you will notice that there are way too many types of covers to choose from. It can be daunting not knowing whether you want lo-luster or super clear, exact-fit or adjustable, sheets or rolls, etc. Brodart has this Guide to Selecting a Book Jacket Cover which does help but if you want to make it easy just do what I did.

I decided to go with the Econo-Fold Adjustable Lo-Luster 1.5 mil 14″ Roll. I chose this type of cover because:

1. I wanted a roll instead of individual sheets because it is less wasteful and I can cut each cover to size.
2. The 14″ roll will cover most books except gigantic art or photo books.
3. Lo-Luster has less glare and is better at covering up imperfections but this was basically an arbitrary choice.
4. 1.5 mil (the thickness) was also a totally arbitrary choice.

Whew! Now that that’s settled let’s protect some books y’all!

All you will need is your Brodart roll, scissors, and your book. (Some claim it is good to have a bone folder handy, which is not a medieval torture device but a long plastic ruler-type thing used to fold the cover. I seem to do okay with my fingers but if the idea of a bone folder turns you on don’t let me stop you.)

Step 1. Remove the book jacket and measure out how much of the roll you will need. Use your scissor to cut this length.

Step 2. Place the book jacket between the clear cover and the paper backing. Line it up all the way to the edge. Make sure the right side is facing out!

Step 3. Flip the jacket cover over and fold the paper back so the crease is just below the book jacket. Then fold the polyester back and try to make as sharp a crease a you can.

Step 4. Take the book and place it on top. Find the fold in the book jacket and bend it back into place. Close the book and do the same on the opposite side.

Step 5. Rock! Now your first edition of Stanley Elkin’s The Living End is ready to party all night long without fear of wear, tear, or depreciation.

Note: It may take a few tries before you get the hang of this but if you stick with it you’ll be a pro in no time.