BookCon returned this year after a seven-year break—and for me, it was a first! With roughly 25,000 attendees, the energy was loud, packed, and buzzing with excitement. But underneath that energy, something felt… off. Alongside the enthusiasm, there was a noticeable air of frustration and tension. Still, despite the chaotic vibe, it felt great to be around my fellow readers!
BookCon was very clearly built around hype and access, with a heavy focus on SFF, romantasy, and romance. And to be fair, if you’re a fan of those genres, the author lineup really delivered—with big names like Emily St. John Mandel, Andy Weir, Rachel Gillig, Chuck Tingle, and Rachel Reid. But even those exciting opportunities felt competitive—I waited nearly an hour in a virtual line for autograph tickets before the event and still didn’t get any. That’s why Indie Alley ended up being such a highlight for me—it felt more relaxed, and I loved picking up indie books and meeting lesser-known authors!
The biggest issue at BookCon wasn’t just how popular it was—it was how unprepared it felt for that demand. Tickets sold out so quickly the first time that I had to wait for a second drop just to get in. And once I was there, that same problem showed up everywhere: booths with maybe 50–100 ARCs for a crowd of 25,000 meant people were rushing tables, lines were falling apart, and things were getting noticeably aggressive. I even spoke with a fan who had attended BookCon back in 2018 and remembered leaving with dozens of ARCs—this time she described the event as a “money grab” and a “glorified book shopping experience.”
Then I saw someone post that one of the limited ARCs was already up on Mercari for $650, which honestly blew my mind—and made me as angry as everyone else. I hadn’t fully realized how much ARCs have turned into currency. It started to feel less about the books and more like a competition, which I know is frustrating for so many people in the industry. More than that, it even felt like some attendees believed they were entitled to free books—something publishers will likely need to address heading into next year.
But despite the chaos and frustration, it’s clear that book fandom is stronger than ever! And it’s not just about the books anymore—there were Heated Rivalry–themed candles, old-school romance puzzles, fantasy book tea blends, and my personal favorite: gifts for smut fans (see below). There were also some very unique workshops – from a professional illustrator teaching how to create fantasy maps to a live book rebinding demonstration. Very cool!
BookCon is already set to return next year, and hopefully this first year back was a learning experience for everyone involved and next year will be smoother. I’m definitely planning to attend again. So mark your calendars for the weekend of April 10, 2027 and I’ll see you back at the Javits!
