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Two Cover Historicals (Front and Stepback)

The publisher is probably spending the most when a stepback with a live model(s) is used. It is a vote of confidence in that author’s future with that publisher. I noticed that some books now credit the stepback as the Tip-in illustration so you may see this term used increasingly as well. I frankly wish it were just called the inner cover.

The most important factor in a two cover historical is that the two work together. If only one works, it’s not fulfilling its mission of being an enticing package. You should enjoy both and find yourself flipping back and forth from front to inside covers. The front has to do the job of catching your eye so that you pick up the book and the stepback should tantalize you into reading that particular romance. Eroticism coupled with romance is usually the key factor in stepbacks. Historical inaccuracy is the third thing to look for, primarily as a flaw which might jolt readers out of that fantasy-based historical ambiance. Usually this factor comes into play in costume, makeup and hair although objects around the models may also contribute. Keep the above factors in mind when looking for contenders to unseat these nominees.

Bantam; art: front, Alan Ayers; stepback, Lynne Sanders Bantam; art: front, Alan Ayers; stepback, Franco Accornero

St. Martin’s; no art credit

Pocket; art: front, Lisa Falkenstern; stepback, Steven Assel Sonnet; art: front, Lisa Litwack; stepback, Gregg Gulbronson

St. Martin’s; no art credit

Dell; no art credit Mira; no art credit

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