Literary Rock Stars

Book Expo America added a new event this year, BookCon, produced by the same folks behind New York Comic Con. While BEA is usually geared more toward industry insiders, BookCon was open to the general public - at least the first 10,000, as attendance was maxed out at that limit, with each attendee forking over $30 for a one-day event pass (kids got in free).

Barbara Marcus, head of Random House children’s books, told The Bookseller that BookCon’s was "the most diverse population I’ve ever seen at a book event." Attendees were black, white, Asian, local, foreign; mother/daughter duos; teenage boys hoping to see comic book legend Stan Lee; and even grey-haired seniors, some navigating through the crowded space on motorized wheelchairs.

The day was filled with author Q&A panels, autographing sessions, storytelling podcasts, special screenings, literary quiz shows and the chance for fans to interact with close to two hundred authors. What was really encouraging was the response from the fans. As Shelf Awareness noted, there were long lines snaking through the BookCon areas, and the crowd limits meant "tearful attendees were turned away from some full events."

That's the sort of reaction you usually see reserved for rock stars and Hollywood celebrities. And yes, even there were a few Hollywood celebrities on hand, the majority of folks came for the literary component. Hopefully, the event will expand next year so more fans can meet and greet with their favorite writers and not be turned away. At any rate, it does lovers of the printed word good to see so many excited and engaged readers thrilled to support authors and their books.