The newsletter of Frankfurter Buchmesse Issue 3 / 2026 |
Dear reader,
We are looking forward to welcoming historian and bestselling author Jill Lepore as a speaker at our Opening Press Conference. In her books and essays, Lepore examines the history of American democracy – its promises as well as its failures.
In this newsletter we also take a look back at Books at Berlinale and invite you to learn more about how the software studio Garage51 wants to transform books into immersive digital experiences. And, what does book science have to say about the boom in romance, fantasy and romantasy? Corinna Norrick-Rühl, professor of book studies, analyses aesthetics, community dynamics and marketing strategies – and asks what it says about our society when genres with a predominantly female audience are criticised.
Enjoy reading!
Your Newsletter Team |
Jill Lepore to speak at the fair's Opening Press Conference |
One of the most influential voices in American historiography, Jill Lepore, will be speaking at the Opening Press Conference of Frankfurter Buchmesse 2026. In her work, the historian and award-winning author combines historical research with current political and social issues, thereby addressing current debates on democracy, freedom and civic participation at a time when these are being under threat worldwide. The Opening Press Conference will take place on 6 October 2026 in Frankfurt and kick off the book fair week. Accredited media representatives are invited to attend; the event will also be streamed live. |
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Happy Hour with German Stories and Czech guests © Foto: Terry Lin, Illustration: K. Hage |
Drink & Draw with us at the German collective stand in Bologna |
Are you one of the lucky people travelling to the Bologna Children's Book Fair in April? Then stop by our Drink & Draw Happy Hour for an extra dose of happiness! Meet the teams from German Stories and Frankfurter Buchmesse as well as illustrator Marita Kelbl, whose home country – Czechia – will be the Guest of Honour at FBM this October. The event takes place on Tuesday, 14 April, at 5 p.m. at the German Collective Stand (Hall 30, Stand B22–C21), where 20 German publishers and children’s book institutions present their latest titles and trends.
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CONTEC's motto: sharing innovation © Lecturable |
CONTEC Summit returns to Buenos Aires |
Frankfurter Buchmesse brings the CONTEC summit back to Buenos Aires for the third time. The conference will take place on 21 April 2026 as part of the 50th Buenos Aires International Book Fair. This year’s programme explores key developments in the publishing ecosystem, including the possibilities of print-on-demand and the importance of metadata. The second Audio Forum will spotlight the key strategic decisions publishers need to make to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the fast-growing audio market. Participation is free of charge.
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Matchmaking at FBM25 © FBM |
Call for applications: Book-to-Screen Matchmaking
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International publishing houses and literary agencies owning film rights may apply until 22 April 2026 for the Frankfurter Buchmesse & Berlinale Matchmaking at the Book-to-Screen Day 2026. At this exclusive matchmaking, around 20 companies will have the chance to present their international IPs to selected production companies and scouts. The matchmaking will be followed by a networking event.
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Books in the spotlight: 20 years of Books at Berlinale |
For 20 years, the Books at Berlinale event has been putting ten books with special screen potential in the spotlight at the Berlinale every year. But what do the authors themselves think about possible film adaptations of their material? Three of them give an insight into their ideas and hopes: Kiki Liu (Girl in an Odd City), Robert Löhr (Oberammergau) and Tomer Gardi (Liefern). The complete interview is available on our website. |
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Corinna Norrick-Rühl © Uni MS, Fabian Winter |
More than glitter: romance, fantasy and romantasy |
Colourful book edges and opulent covers, mostly from the genres of romance, fantasy and romantasy: with the SPLENDID SPRAYED EDGES book collection, we are presenting 42 such titles this year at German collective stands at international book fairs this year. Corinna Norrick-Rühl, professor of book studies, explains why elaborately designed books are particularly successful in these genres – and what role communities such as #booktok play in this trend. |
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Sven Schondelmaier is Director of Digital Experience at Garage51 © Christian Sauter |
"Digital extensions that complement books a meaningful way" |
Sven Schondelmaier, Director of Digital Experience at Garage51, is one of this year's winners of the Frankfurter Buchmesse Wildcard for Publishing Partners. The Frankfurt-based software studio will present its ideas for digital and immersive content experiences at FBM26 in Hall 4.1. Sven comes up with lots of ideas on how printed content can be transformed into digital experiences, what role immersive formats and AI play in this, and on how technology companies can inspire the book industry in this regard.
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of publishers surveyed by IG Digital, an interest group within the Börsenverein (German Publishers and Booksellers Association), rate the importance of AI for their publishing house as high or very high. In 2025, this figure was only 9%. Another 31% have already implemented an AI strategy, while a further 33% plan to do so in the near future.
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Romania, Guest of Honour at FBM28, is organising matchmaking meetings between Romanian publishers and agencies and the international industry at the Leipziger Buchmesse (19–22 March 2026). The focus will be on discussions about the purchase and sale of rights. Dates: 19 March, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and 20 March, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. more
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© 2026 Frankfurter Buchmesse GmbH |
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