Call for Editors or Book Proposals: Monograph or Edited Volume Proposals on Functional Literacy, Critical Reading, and Comprehension in Higher Education

Vernon Press invites monograph or edited volume proposals for a new series dedicated to Functional Literacy, Critical Reading, and Comprehension in Higher Education.

Across disciplines, educators and researchers have increasingly noted challenges in higher education related to the comprehension and interpretation of complex texts. Discussions in literacy studies highlight that students often encounter difficulties analyzing arguments, synthesizing information, and engaging critically with academic materials. These concerns raise important questions about pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment practices, and the broader social, cultural, and cognitive factors that shape reading comprehension in contemporary education.

Understanding these challenges is crucial not only for improving teaching and learning outcomes but also for fostering informed citizenship, professional competence, and engagement with complex social and political issues. This call seeks proposals that examine the functional, cognitive, and sociocultural dimensions of literacy, exploring innovative strategies, empirical studies, and theoretical approaches that address the comprehension challenges faced by students and learners across diverse contexts.

Scope of the Call

This call is open to proposals that address all aspects of functional literacy, critical reading, and comprehension in higher education, as well as related pedagogical, cognitive, and social factors.

Proposals that include comparative studies of Spanish- and English-speaking contexts, bilingual education, multilingual classrooms, and cross-cultural approaches to literacy are particularly encouraged. Submissions may also explore intersections with media literacy, digital literacy, civic engagement, or professional skill development.

The scope of the present call is broad. Possible topics include (non-comprehensive list):

• Critical reading and comprehension challenges in higher education

• Pedagogical strategies for improving text analysis and argumentation

• Cognitive, social, and cultural factors affecting comprehension

• Bilingual or multilingual literacy and comprehension

• Curriculum design and assessment practices

• Writing-to-learn and reading-to-learn interventions

• Media and digital literacy in university contexts

• Literacy and civic, professional, or social engagement

• Educational policies addressing comprehension and critical literacy

• Cross-disciplinary and comparative approaches to literacy

• Innovative teaching practices, workshops, and experimental programs

• Adult literacy and lifelong learning in academic contexts

• Case studies in Spanish- and English-language higher education

• Digital distractions and their impact on sustained reading and understanding

How to submit your proposal

Please submit monograph proposals (approx. two pages) to submissions@vernonpress.com including a summary, a short biographical note, and (if applicable) a list of similar titles using this form: Proposal form. More information on what we look for in a proposal is available on our website.