I think this is a good topic and a valid question, particularly as pertaining to book jacket design. But I think it's not really a question of "right or wrong" for the designer, per se. Book publishers exist to move product and make money. The marketplace is ultimately going to determine the viability of what design approach works. The publishing industry is facing extremely challenging times, and is being forced to consider completely different approaches to design, marketing, media, advertising, supply... virtually every aspect of its business.
I think the designer needs to remember that it's usually the publisher, not the author, who is his or her client. Whatever input the author has will most likely be through the conduit of the publisher, and how they think it can be most effectively marketed. I'm not saying that you don't read the materials or do your research, and of course the design should be conceptually strong and well-executed. But if you've achieved those goals and gotten an approval from the publishing house your job is done.
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