There are two truths about reading:

1. It’s infinitely better than watching TV, and
2. as soon as a book gets good, someone will interrupt you.

Let’s face it, book lovers are forever persecuted by chatterboxes with one goal in mind: to ensure we don’t find out whodunit anytime soon. But because it’s generally seen as rude to yell something to the effect of “[insert inappropriate word here] off, I’m reading,” most readers shut their book and succumb to chitchat.

In an effort to save book lovers from idle chatter, we’ve created a series of dust jackets that (politely) tell people what to do if they interrupt your reading. The idea was spurred by a Twitter conversation in which Sarah Enni, Tracey Neithercott, and I lamented disruptions in our reading.

A little over a week later, we’d created the first set of Go Away I’m Reading dust jackets.

The response was greater than we ever expected. Case in point: You can find us on GalleyCat, io9, the Daily What, Shelf Awareness, and Nerd Approved. (Not to mention all over tumblr!) Because of the great response we got, we decided to release a second, Hunger Games–specific set.

In all, we’ve created 14 FREE dust jackets. You can download four here:

Go Away, I’m Reading (Set #1)
Go away. I’m Reading. (pdf)
Reading > Talking (pdf)
Team Reading (pdf)

—

Go Away, I’m Reading (Set #2 and #3)
Set #2 is on Tracey’s site
Set #3 is on Sarah’s site

—

The special edition Hunger Games Dust Jackets!
At the Reaping, BRB (pdf)
Warning: Girl on Fire is on Tracey’s site
BRB, Drinking with Haymitch is on Sarah’s site

—

Creating your own is easy. First, download the PDFs of the covers you want.

Next, print. These covers will fit the traditionally-sized YA book. Take the PDFs to your local FedEx or Staples and get them printed on tabloid paper (11×17 in). We suggest a matte cardstock (you could print on something glossy, but sometimes that causes light glares at certain angles and you want people to be able to read that Go Away message without incident). Choose a weight between 60 and 80 pounds for the paper. Anything lighter and the page will be too thin; anything heavier and folding it around your book will be difficult. You can have the store cut the printouts for you (it will cost a little more), or you can handle it on your own when you get home (there are crop marks in the files indicating sizing for a typical YA book and a taller adult book).

Finally, fold the printout into a cover. You can do that one of two ways, and each are explained below:

—

The possibility of a store!

We’re considering releasing even more dust jackets, creating e-reader covers, and setting up an online store. And that’s where you come in. By answering a super-short (seriously) survey, you could help us decide whether or not to keep the covers coming. You’ll find the survey here.

Thanks for your support. Your excitement about books (and the Go Away Dust Jacket Series) makes us all sorts of happy.