Call for Chapters:

Brand Relationships: Consumer Behavior, Communication, and Trust in Digital Spaces
[From the National Communication Association COMMNotes e-list]

Deadline for submission of chapter abstracts and synopses: June 12, 2026

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Brand Relationships: Consumer Behavior, Communication, and Trust in Digital Spaces examines the evolving nature of relationships between brands and consumers within digitally mediated environments. As communication technologies have transformed the marketplace into an interactive and participatory space, consumers increasingly interpret brands not simply as transactional entities, but as relational actors engaged in ongoing dialogue. This volume advances a communication-centered framework that positions relational processes, such as meaning-making, responsiveness, tone, and ethical engagement, as foundational to the development, maintenance, and repair of brand trust.

CFP OVERVIEW

The editors invite proposals for inclusion in this edited volume for chapter submissions.

SCHOLARLY CHAPTER SUBMISSIONS

Scope and Expectations

We invite original scholarly chapter proposals that extend theoretical and conceptual conversations related to brand relationships in digital contexts. Contributors are not required to adhere to the existing Table of Contents and are encouraged to propose innovative, interdisciplinary perspectives that align with the overarching focus of the volume.

Appropriate topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Relational communication frameworks in digital brand environments
• Consumer interpretation, perception, and meaning-making
• Parasocial and influencer-mediated brand relationships
• Digital trust formation and relational maintenance
• Authenticity, transparency, and ethical communication
• Algorithmic communication, AI, and personalization
• Cultural, global, or identity-based perspectives on brand relationships

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must include the following components:

1. Abstract (200 words)

The abstract should clearly articulate the central argument, theoretical framework, and scholarly contribution of the proposed chapter. Authors should identify how the chapter advances understanding of communication processes within brand-consumer relationships.

2. Chapter Synopsis (250-300 words)

The synopsis should provide a structured overview of the chapter, including major sections, key concepts, and the integration of theory and application. Authors should demonstrate how the chapter will be developed into a cohesive and rigorous contribution.

3. Learning Objectives (3 required)

Each chapter must include three clearly defined and measurable learning objectives appropriate for advanced undergraduate or graduate-level instruction.

Please email abstracts with your institutional affiliation no later than June 12 to Sandra Romo at sromo@calbaptist.edu.