Call for Academics: Sociology in Hollywood

Vernon Press invites scholars, researchers, and academics in sociology, media studies, and related fields to serve as editors and coordinate a book project exploring fame, celebrity, and Hollywood culture.

We welcome scholars interested in the social, cultural, and structural aspects of celebrity and fame, and who want to bring together diverse perspectives and research in an edited volume.

This is an opportunity to expand your academic publication record and strengthen your profile. Please note that this is not a job offer. Editors will independently coordinate their volumes with the support of Vernon Press and retain academic ownership of the project. Editors may receive royalties based on book sales.

About the Project

Fame is a social process that shapes identity, relationships, hierarchies, and cultural values. In sociology, media studies, anthropology, and cultural studies, examining fame requires a critical, interdisciplinary approach.

As an editor, you will:

• Develop the thematic outline of the volume
• Curate contributions from scholars
• Oversee the academic and editorial development of the volume, from proposal to publication, with support from our team

Volumes may explore questions such as:

• How does fame shape personal and social identity?
• How do race, gender, class, and power intersect in Hollywood networks?
• What social mechanisms govern celebrity culture?
• How does fan culture and social media affect celebrity influence?
• How do scandals, cancel culture, and public downfalls reflect broader social processes?

Suggested Topics

Possible areas of focus include:

• Fame as social identity: rituals, transformations, and self-presentation
• Social hierarchies within Hollywood
• Fan culture, parasocial relationships, and digital engagement
• Ethical and moral questions in celebrity industries
• Cross-cultural or comparative perspectives on fame

Who Should Apply

We welcome academics who:

• Conduct research in sociology, media, or cultural studies
• Have scholarly networks and connections

Doctoral candidates nearing completion, early-career scholars, and senior academics are all encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

To be considered as an editor, email submissions@vernonpress.com with:

• A brief statement of interest
• A short bio or CV
• (Optional) A proposed theme or list of potential contributors

We are happy to discuss ideas. We can support by posting a call for chapters to attract contributions from relevant scholars.

About Vernon Press

Vernon Press is an independent academic publisher specializing in social sciences and humanities. We work with scholars worldwide to publish peer-reviewed, high-quality books on timely and important topics.

Recent publications include:

• Polyptych: Adaptation, Television, and Comics – Edited by Reginald Wiebe
• Fix-It Fics: Challenging the Status Quo through Fan Fiction – Edited by Kaitlin Tonti
• Monsters and Monstrosity in Media: Reflections on Vulnerability – Edited by Yeojin Kim and Shane Carreon