1. A method for automatically generating spine image areas for book covers originally created for books without spines, comprising: providing a single, undifferentiated digital cover image that includes front and back portions; determining the required size of the spine; and stretching said front portion of said cover image horizontally in a first direction a predetermined amount; stretching said back portion of said cover image horizontally in a second direction a predetermined amount; and confirming that the produced cover image is correct.