SpecialFavors.comRunning Press will launch a new venture early next year that will allow consumers to design their own personalized book jackets for the company's Miniature Editions titles using a patent-pending Web-based technology.

Buz Teacher, president and publisher of Running Press, said that since the company began its Miniature Editions series in 1989, it has received numerous requests from consumers about ordering special copies of various titles that could be given as favors at such occasions as weddings and showers. Teacher oversaw a group of technology freelancers who developed a new process that will allow people who go to specialfavors.com to choose from a list of options to create their own jackets. Consumers may scroll through illustrations and text choices until they find the front cover, back cover and flap design they prefer. They can choose among three typefaces and four background colors. After a customer enters the necessary information--names, date, message, quantity--the jacket is printed by Running Press and placed on the selected title.

Teacher said he hopes to have the Web site running by the end of January. Pricing has not yet been set, and Teacher said a minimum order will probably be in the 20 to 25-copy range. Eighteen existing Miniature Editions titles are available under the service, including The Kiss, Book of Hearts, Wedding Toasts and Motherhood .

On the advice of his trademark attorney, Teacher has filed an application to patent the process by which a consumer can customize a jacket for any book size. Teacher said if the patent is approved, he will consider licensing the technology.