All About Soap has redesigned its cover to try to lose its tacky image.
The new issue features the last of ongoing changes to design and content. Features have been livened up with new logos and new sections have been added, such as “Fact or Fiction?”, where soap stars speak out about rumours, “Out and About” and “The Relationship Test” where actors talk about their characters’ relationships.
Editor Lorna Cowan said: “We are hoping to take the tackiness out of soap and it was time to give ourselves more of a sophisticated look. A lot of people love soap magazines but don’t want to be seen reading them. It’s hidden in their bag but they don’t want to take it out until they are sure no one is looking.”
The front page, traditionally blue or red, has been given a white background and the main image has been moved slightly to the left. “We were quite formulaic with the front, so we moved everything around,” she added.
“Soap magazines’ sales usually dip in the summer and go up around Christmas and at the beginning of the year. We are still selling well and there are some big story lines in EastEnders and Coronation Street coming up.”
There has been no change to the pagination or the cover price.
All About Soap reported a circulation of 101,420 in the latest ABC results.
By Ruth Addicott
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