Call for Editors or Book Proposals: Monograph or Edited Volume Proposals on Reality Television and Media Economies

Vernon Press invites monograph or edited volume proposals for a new series dedicated to Reality Television and Media Economies.

Reality television has become one of the most influential and profitable sectors within contemporary media industries, reshaping not only viewing habits but also economic models and forms of celebrity. What began as a relatively low-cost programming format has evolved into a global phenomenon capable of generating vast revenues for broadcasters, streaming platforms, and production companies. At the same time, reality TV has produced some of the most recognizable and financially successful figures of the 21st century, from culinary personalities such as Gordon Ramsay to media empires like that of Kim Kardashian and her extended brand ecosystem. In parallel, formats centered on real estate, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle have contributed to the rise of new business empires and aspirational economic narratives.

The success of reality television lies in its adaptability, cost-efficiency, and capacity to engage audiences through identification, competition, and intimacy. These programs attract advertisers and sponsors by offering highly targeted audiences, strong viewer loyalty, and extensive opportunities for product placement and brand integration. Moreover, reality TV formats often function as global franchises, easily adaptable across markets and capable of generating long-term economic value through repetition, syndication, and cross-platform expansion.

At the same time, the genre raises important questions about media consumption in an era where “reality” is increasingly mediated through social media and mobile devices. The proliferation of user-generated content challenges the boundaries between professional and amateur production, prompting reflection on how reality television maintains its relevance and authority. The endurance of the format can be linked to its ability to create narratives, dramatize everyday life, and cultivate loyal fan communities that extend beyond the screen.

Scope of the Call

This call is open to proposals that address all aspects of Reality Television from economic, cultural, and media perspectives.

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

• The political economy of reality television

• New fortunes and wealth creation through reality TV

• Celebrity entrepreneurship and personal branding

• Global franchises and format adaptation

• Advertising, sponsorship, and product placement strategies

• Audience engagement, loyalty, and fan communities

• The economics of low-cost, high-return programming

• Reality TV and the transformation of television consumption

• Streaming platforms and the evolution of reality formats

• Social media, influencers, and the competition with “everyday reality”

• Lifestyle, real estate, and entrepreneurial narratives on screen

• Ethics, authenticity, and performance in reality programming

• The globalization of reality TV formats

• Cross-media expansion and brand ecosystems

• The future of reality television in a digital, mobile-first world

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.

About the publisher

Vernon Press is an independent publisher of scholarly books in the social sciences and humanities. We work closely with authors, academic associations, distributors, and library information specialists to identify and develop high quality, high impact titles.