I received a book I requested today. It has pretty huge tear on the cover. The front cover was partially torn off the book, but it was taped back on. Is this allowed or is it an RWAP? I can take a pic to post.

If the tear was over 1 inch it is not postable. Taping an unpostable tear does not make it postable again.

Cover:

• Must both be present (front and back)
  • note that a paperback missing its front cover is  usually an illegal, unsold copy
  • "cover" does not = dust jacket.  Hardcovers do not need to include their dust jackets to be swapped here.
• Cover not water damaged (there may be no water damage to any part of the book)
• Cover not torn or chewed/gnawed
  • some used book stores cut out a small part of the cover; if the amount missing is less than 1 square inch, this is OKAY
  • a small rip (less than 1 inch) in the cover is OKAY
  • yes, that does say "chewed/gnawed" above.  That means no pet-chewed (or human-chewed)

What is the "correct" and polite way to request my credit back for this book?

Thanks

I'd say something like.

"Thanks for sending me this book, I was so excited to receive it in the mail but, when I opened the undamaged package I was disappointed to find that the cover of the book torn ___ inches. Since this tear makes the book unpostable (yes, even with the taped repair it is still unpostable) I am requesting my credit be refunded.  If for some reason you'd like to have the book returned I would need an additional credit to cover return postage.  I would be more than happy to send you a picture of the tear if you need me too.  Thanks and as soon as I receive my credit I will make this RWAP as resolved.  Thanks Again!!"