What Really Happened at A Million Lives Book Festival 2025?
Note: TRS didn’t attend this event nor did any of our staff. We just spent a lot of time reading posts, comments, and watching videos all created by the folks, and there were many, who were there. Did we get it wrong? Let us know if we did. Thanks!
The A Million Lives Book Festival, held May 2-3, 2025, at the Baltimore Convention Center, was marketed as a celebration of literature, creativity, and community. Billed as an inclusive, reader-author extravaganza featuring panels, cosplay meetups, a ball, and a bustling vendor hall, the festival was expected to draw hundreds of eager book lovers.
Instead, it turned into a cautionary tale.
Despite reports of 500-600 tickets sold, attendees and authors claim less than 100 people actually showed up. Authors, who paid $150 or more for table fees, many of whom traveled long distances and shipped hundreds of books, reported losing money and being misled about event logistics.
A Litany of Broken Promises
From the moment participants arrived, signs of disarray were apparent. Promised badges never materialized, with organizers allegedly claiming they arrived “broken.” There was no replacement system in place, leaving anyone able to walk in off the street unchecked. Some reports say new badges showed up later in the event. Swag bags for attendees and sponsors either didn’t appear or were generic and devoid of sponsor materials.
Decorations were absent. Panels were uncoordinated. There was no visible schedule, and many authors said they weren’t informed about their participation until the last minute—or not at all. Ball attendees expected music, decorations, and a cash bar. What they got was silence, confusion, and the organizer shouting out break times instead of official announcements.
Significant Financial Harm
Many authors stated they didn’t earn enough to cover even their table fee. Several mentioned the burden of having to ship unsold books home, further compounding their losses. Some authors reported being promised accommodations, only to be informed at the last minute that they’d have to cover hotel costs themselves.
Accusations of Mismanagement and Scamming
As complaints flooded Threads, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, and Facebook, some began comparing the event to Fyre Festival or DashCon, referencing the grand promises and underwhelming delivery. Archer Fantasy Events, the organizing group behind the festival, is now under scrutiny. Many are calling for the organizer(s) to be named and held accountable, and several authors have floated the idea of a class action lawsuit or consumer fraud complaints.
Others questioned whether a professional event planner was ever involved in the process, with some experienced planners offering their services in future to prevent another such disaster.
Calls for Accountability
Legal experts and authors alike are advising participants to document everything, including receipts, DMs, and promotional materials, and to consider reporting the event to the BBB, the Maryland State Attorney General, or even filing a small claims lawsuit.
The broader author and reader community has rallied in support of those affected, sharing posts and encouraging others to donate or buy directly from authors who took financial hits.
A Community Let Down
While the event left many disillusioned, it also demonstrated the strength and camaraderie of the author community. Writers banded together to support each other emotionally and financially. But the larger concern remains: How did this happen, and how can it be prevented in the future?
A Million Lives may have promised magic, but instead delivered mayhem. And the industry is watching to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here are some posts made by attendees.
https://www.instagram.com/kaitdisney/reel/DJPK-Jegbzn/
@percijay_fantasyauthor #amillionlivesbookfestival #amillionlives #booktok #baltimoreteaparty #percijay #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen
https://www.tiktok.com/@percijay_fantasyauthor/video/7500581867867983135
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJPhrmVx6po/
@stephdevourerofbooks When you gotta laugh so you don’t cry. 😂😭 a million lives or a million lies? 😬🫣 I was an attending author…at least we looked fantastic. @Valerie Rivers @Author Sarah Zane🏳️🌈 #baltimore #amillionlivesbookfestival #amillionlies #bookball
@azthiabookwyrm A Millon Lets Downs Book Festival.. The only good thing about this festival was the amazing people I was able to meet. Trauma bonding 🫶🫶 #booktok #booktokfyp #readersoftiktok #millionlivesbookfestival
@genevievejames.author What a slap in the face. I’m so sorry to everyone that was let down by this event. #fypppppp #booktoker #booktok #indiebooktok #indieauthor #bookishevent #amillionlivesbookfestival #baltimoreteaparty #selfpublishedauthor #amlsurvivor
@laraonfirewrites i attended #AMillionLives as an author & i have receipts!!!!! “content creation room” photo by @Coco 🖤 #amillionlivesbookfestivwl #BookTok #baltimorebookfestival #booktokfyrefest #archerfantasyevents