This is a call for chapters on specific topics for The Palgrave Handbook of Shakespearean Biofiction, an edited collection which is under contract with Palgrave. The Handbook will be published in 2026. It will be the first book to comprehensively consider the history, state of the art, global cultures, and futures of Shakespeare biofiction; as such, it will be the definitive study of the topic, intervening at a critical juncture of development for this subject matter. Proposals are sought for the following chapters: 

• Elizabeth I in Shakespearean biofiction (This chapter should provide a historical survey of biofictional appearances of Shakespeare and Elizabeth in various media, and include original 'case studies' of landmark or key texts.)

• Shakespearean biofiction in/and Britain and/or Britishness (This chapter should provide an overview of the material in different media from Britain, its history, and original 'case studies' of landmark or key texts. In surveying and analysing British Shakespearean biofiction, this chapter may address: national identity; race; ethnicity; regions; borders; cross- and intercultural practices; legacies of colonialism/imperialism.)

• Shakespearean biofiction in/and Ireland (This chapter should provide an overview of the material in different media from Ireland, its history, and original 'case studies' of landmark or key texts. In surveying and analysing Irish Shakespearean biofiction, this chapter may address: national identity; race; ethnicity; regions; borders; cross- and intercultural practices; legacies of colonialism/imperialism.)

• Interconnections and New Directions in Shakespearean biofiction (This chapter will be part of a Handbook section that foregrounds cutting-edge research and approaches, identifies overlooked areas and emerging directions in Shakespeare biofiction, and sheds new light on enduring themes and concerns addressed in other sections of the book. As such, proposals may focus on biofictional depictions in any media of Shakespeare and his family, social circle, audiences and playhouses, or biofiction where Shakespeare merely cameos or Shakespeare’s life is central but he does not appear e.g. Gunderson’s The Book of Will, 2018). Proposals that examine biofictions from the period 1700-1998 are especially welcome.)

Please send abstracts of 500 words identifying your chosen chapter accompanied by a short author bio (200 words max) to the editors Katherine Scheil (kscheil@umn.edu) and Edel Semple (E.Semple@ucc.ie) by December 16, 2024. 

Prospective contributors are welcome to contact the editors to discuss proposals informally and/or to seek further information. Submissions are invited from established academics, early career scholars, and independent scholars alike. Abstracts will be reviewed and prospective contributors will be given a detailed timeline of deadlines to publication following selection of successful submissions.