[k_squared]

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Trace:

Since the contest is still going on, I need to respond here in a neutral manner.

The back cover will follow our standard design with the front cover's color scheme. That is on the bottom will be the bar code, the Two Plus Two logo, the small box recommending our web site, and the larger box with the Greg"Fossilman" Raymer quote. Above that will be the the large box with verbage describing the book and on the top will be the title and author's name. Also, somewhere on here will be the author's picture. Because of this I only requested that a front cover be designed.

Best wishes,
mason

[/ QUOTE ]

Mason,

Why do you feel the need to have the back cover follow a particular stylistic pattern? If you are willing to open up the cover design on the front of the book to a new interpretation that will be more attractive then why not also consider allowing the back to be redesigned? What reason is there for not even considering changing the back of the book as well (especially when it works so well!)?

I think the bullet points on the back effectively draw the reader in and if he/she wants more info before buying you can have an abstract on the first page that would have the info about the author that would have been on the back.

I think it is a mistake to limit the creativity of your entrants in this way. I think that Traces entries are far and away the best, and in large part because of the flow from the front cover to the spine to the back...

Trace's cover seems to be one that many people think looks the best... and perhaps that means you should reconsider your thoughts about the back cover, rather than just falling back on the fact that your original intent was just to have a front cover designed.

I believe that it would probably draw a first time reader in a lot more to have bulleted information about the book rather than info about Ed. The type of player you are appealing to (beginners) will reach for either an attractive book or a known author first, and while I think Ed is an articulate and insightful poker analyst he hasn't played on the World poker Tour, or won a WSOP bracelt (how the masses measure success). To the end of advertising to the beginning poker player, it makes sense to have Raymer's quote also included on the back, but I am confident that could be tastefully included! A beginner would have no attachment to the well constructed and solid library of resources that 2+2 provides. So, get the hook in by using the great cover Trace designed!!!

I don't know the technical issues involved in printing... and perhaps those issues complicate the matter. Good luck choosing a cover.

-k_squared