Why do gothic romance novels’ covers have women running away from manors at night?

Answer 1

Part of the traditional format for that style.   The plots always follow a set formula too.

Answer 2

Usually because they involve a mysterious master who lives in a big manor house, where shadowy things happen. Portraying the master living in a condo in Miami as the heroine tries to flee through a crowd of barely dressed locals, eh. You're trying to get people to buy your book. If the audience you want reads gothic novels, you give them gothic images. I thought this was obvious. 

Answer 3

Publishers do what sells.  That cover usually is indicative of content, and those who enjoy such books are attracted.  Just like my recent SF novel has a spaceship, moon and planet on the cover

Answer 4

Because it looks dramatic, to sell the book. 

Answer 5

Because they were inspired by the real events which occured at that time. See Czech film "Slasti otce vlasti."

Answer 6

Why do sci fi novel covers have planets space ships and aliens?