Hello, everyone. I’m editing a series with Rowman & Littlefield/Lexington on a line of academic books critically analyzing elements of Jewish science fiction and fantasy (that’s the series title). https://rowman.com/action/series/les/lexjsf As such, I’d love some authors with concepts to write about. So far, we have one coming out on Goliath, one on Yiddish fantasy prologues to films and sitcoms, and a short series on the history of all Jewish SFF. The call for books is ongoing–topics big or little are welcome.
At this stage, a paragraph-long proposal emailed to valerie@calithwain.com with a subject of JEWISH SPEC-FIC would be great. Here are some examples:
The Secret Jewish Roots of Star Wars (or some other top franchise)
Batwoman to Felicity: Jewish Characters in the Arrowverse
Rewriting the Narrative: Jewish Fairytale Novels
Jewish Alt-History
Kabbalah in Pop Culture
Israeli Dystopian Cinema
Jewish-Flavored Filk
Halacha in Space
Pop Culture Haggadahs
Revising the Big Franchises through Jewish Fanfic
The Works of _______.
I’m looking for topics that haven’t been done to death, so Jews and Comics seems a little too obvious, but most other topics are open. Along with all the subgenres, writing about any mediums (novels, short stories cartoons, webcomics, fanfic, films) and works from any countries/cultures are acceptable. As the examples show, you might go big or small, including a single franchise, author, issue, or genre. Treatment of Jews in science fiction (including by non-Jewish authors) would be acceptable as would something on fandom, current or historical. Interdisciplinary/film criticism/literary criticism/fan studies/minority studies are all welcome. Anthologies are also possible.
I’m also seeking essays for several anthologies that will go in the series. The deadline is Jan 31, 2022 for FINISHED ESSAYS, I have some gaps in the collections and could use a few more, so I’m taking more proposals on a rolling basis (I’ll get back soon) and collecting essays as they’re ready. 6000 words, chicago note-bibilography I’m collecting for three anthologies and sorting them as appropriate, but here’s the subtopics:
ANTHOLOGY: BIG FRANCHISES
Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, Twilight Zone, superheroes, popular films and TV – Let’s explore the Judaism in the biggest, most popular franchises.
ANTHOLOGY: BALANCING JEWISH PRACTICE AND FANDOM
What does Jewish fanfic look like? Or Orthodox cosplay? Is it tough attending Saturday conventions? Talk about the Judaism and Harry Potter classes, summer camps, themed Bar Mitzvahs, crafting, ren fair characters, or anything else you’ve got. (Certainly these can be personal stories, though it’s a scholarly anthology and more distant studies of these are fine too). Essays may be in first or third person for this one.
ANTHOLOGY: JEWISH FANTASY WORLDWIDE
(I need to work on the title, but basically, can we get away from the top ten American Ashkenazim and analyze some other stories). Update: I’ve gotten lovely proposals but still would appreciate analysis of works from Eastern Europe (like Stanislaw Lem and the Strugatsky brothers), Western Europe, and South America. I could also use more from Israel. Sephardic American series like the Mangoverse and The Blue Thread would also be welcome.
Contact Info:
proposals (a paragraph on your topic is fine, additional materials welcome but not required) emailed to valerie@calithwain.com with a subject of JEWISH SPEC-FIC. Book proposals are ongoing and welcome anytime.
Questions at valerie@calithwain.com are also welcome.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In