Nonfiction, reality’s kin

Between producing “Survivor,” “The Apprentice” and the upcoming NBC series “The Contender,” reality TV kingpin Mark Burnett has managed to write a book -- “Jump In! Even If You Don’t Know How to Swim” (Ballantine Books) -- that chronicles his rise from British Army paratrooper to shaper of a profitable new TV landscape.

The book boasts an introduction by “Apprentice” star Donald Trump that proves again that subtlety isn’t the Donald’s strong suit: “Mark is a great leader as well as visionary -- an unbeatable combination for out-of-the-box success, which accounts for the over-the-top ratings for ‘The Apprentice,’ ” he writes.

Sprinkled through chapters on Burnett’s life and “adventures in success” are fortune cookie-esque bits of self-help wisdom. What guides the father of “Survivor”? Here’s a sampling of Burnett’s keys to success:

“Everyone gets knocked down. What’s important is getting back up.”

“Almost every problem has a solution.”

“Your gut instinct is rarely wrong.”

“Do not fear rejection.”

“No doesn’t mean no.”

“Coupled with great enthusiasm, naivete can be a strength.”

And finally, intrepid reader, “Never quit.”