These authors were sold a romantasy convention. Instead, they got the Fyre Festival of the book world
The A Million Lives Book Festival was billed as a romantasy BookTok convention for indie authors and book fans, promising a weekend filled with panels, a vendor hall, cosplay meetups, and a fantasy ball. However, what attendees found when they arrived at the Baltimore Convention Center was far from what was advertised.
Authors and attendees took to social media to share their disappointment, comparing the event to notorious flops like Fyre Festival and DashCon. Many authors reported being out thousands of dollars after investing in printing books and merchandise for the event, only to have minimal sales and a lackluster experience.
The fantasy ball, a highlight of the event for those who purchased VIP tickets, was described as a nearly empty, grey room with only a few tables adorned with fake rose petals. The promised opulence was replaced with a cash bar, desserts, and a single Bluetooth speaker playing music.
Organizer Grace Willows of Archer Management issued an apology, promising refunds for attendees, authors, and vendors. The event has since been canceled, with future events also being scrapped.
Despite the disappointment, authors have banded together to support each other and boost the work of those who were impacted by the event. The festival may have been a letdown, but the friendships formed and the sense of community among indie authors remains strong.
The A Million Lives Book Festival serves as a cautionary tale for event organizers and attendees alike, highlighting the importance of transparency, communication, and delivering on promises. Indie authors who invest their time and money in events like these deserve better, and hopefully, lessons will be learned for future gatherings in the book community.
