1 out of twenty thousand models makes it successfully in the business. According to male model, Jason Aaron Baca making it in the modeling industry means obtaining a long term contract with an agency or with a specific clothing line. Baca is a well known romance cover model. In a recent New York Times article, he estimates that he has been on almost 500 novel covers. Needless to say, Baca has more than made it in the modeling industry. His goal is to model for more covers than Fabio Lanzoni. In hopes of improving the odds for other models that deserve to make the cut, Baca has written two books, Journey of a Male Model and Overexposed: The Overexposed Model. In these novels, Jason Aaron Baca talks about his career as a model along with tips and tricks to better prepare for the job.
The Business of Modeling
Lauren M. Holson, a New York Times author investigated the man behind the smoldering gaze in here recent article, "With Romance Novels Booming, Beefcake Sells, but It Doesn't Pay." As cover models are so profitable, and publishers burn through a couple hundred in a year. As a result, the models are paid a measly wage. Jason Aaron Baca reports that
even in his best year he only made $20,000. To better support himself he works as a customer-service clerk.
Romance novels are a booming field in literature. The multitude of categories draws in readers of all tastes. Known as one of the most innovative genres of literature, romance novels are nearly 40% e-books and many are self published. With so many books being written and published, innovation in the field must be constant. Publishers go through hundreds of cover models in a year, leaving them essentially breeding beefcakes.
The History
Fabio Lanzoni is one of the most iconic faces throughout the history of male modeling, so iconic, he is only known by his first name. Best known for his appearances on romance novel covers, Fabio is also an actor, fashion model and a spokesman.
Fabio spills some more of his secrets in a recent interview with The Guardian. At the age of 14 Fabio was approached in a gym at Milan and told he should model, from there he was hired and his modeling career began. Upon his arrival in America, Fabio was hired for the current biggest campaign in America, the launch of Gap. This massive campaign set new standards for the salary of top male models.
I'd be the biggest hypocrite if I said I really worked very hard for my career, because it was given to me on a silver platter.
Then Vs. Now
In the early days of romance novels a pretty face was enough to sell a book, but in today's booming market a hottie on the cover won't even get a second look. Publishers are looking for original and inventive ways to create cover art that will set their novel apart from the rest; they go through heaps of heart-throbs who barely make ends meet. So to any hunks looking to make a name, good luck.
