New novel to expose 'American Idol'?

The behind-the-scenes workings of hit show American Idol will reportedly be revealed in a new novel.

Stage 46: The Reality Of Reality Television was written by R. Smith, who conducted hundreds of hours of interviews with reality show employees and contestants.

An extract from the book, which follows the experiences of production assistant Ben Walker, reads: "While I was driving home, it dawned on me that the person who had been eliminated was the same person who had been eliminated during the closed-door rehearsals just two days before.

"That was too much of a coincidence for me. From that day on, I figured that people on the inside had a hand in how the results of the show were handled."

Smith, who has refused to reveal his true identity, told the Baltimore Examiner that it is up to readers to decide whether the story is based on American Idol.

"[My publisher] thinks the book will be hugely successful. Public interest could create enough buzz for a screenplay," he said.

Stage 46: The Reality Of Reality Television can be purchased online now.