The 78th Frankfurt Book Fair wrapped up on October 11, 2026, welcoming 236,000 attendees from 137 countries, confirming the status of the fair as one of the main platforms for publishers from around the world to meet. Organized in Frankfurt, Germany between October 7 to 11, the Frankfurt Book Fair had 4,000 exhibitors and over 3,800 events at the event venues and in the city.

According to the organizers of the fair, the total number of attendees consisted of 119,000 trade visitors and 117,000 people from the general public. This year, publishing professionals from a greater number of countries visited the fair as compared to last year.

Hall Layout Reorganized to Improve the Fair Experience

Among the notable changes implemented this year was the reorganized hall layout, which was well-received by the exhibitors, professionals and the attendees of the fair. Improved navigability and better spatial arrangement facilitated an easier visit of the exhibition halls.

The fair maintained its significance as a rights and business market for publishers and literary agents, as well as its growing reputation as a public literary festival.

Audio Books and Adaptations to Screen Emerge

The audio segment kept growing, as Frankfurt Audio hosted even more exhibitors compared to last year's event. Audiobooks became one of the key themes, as they grow international and help regional languages get into the spotlight.

The Book-to-Screen Day at Frankfurt Book Fair was devoted to collaboration between publishers, literary agents, producers, and filmmakers, who work on adapting books to screen projects, including films and TV series. The programme looked into possibilities for reaching out to new audience by means of adaptations and possibilities offered by publishing rights within the entertainment industry.

AI and Freedom of Publishing Become Central Topics

Artificial intelligence, freedom of expression, and the future of publishing became one of the central themes discussed during the book fair. The Frankfurt Calling programme included 125 events that took place in 14 different locations and covered issues like digital surveillance, international law, democratic structures, and freedom of publishing.

Concerns about the impact of AI on the publishing business and decreasing reading skills of young people emerged in the discussions, too.

Czechia Displays its Literary Culture

As the Guest of Honour for the year 2026, Czechia adopted the theme of A Country on the Coast. There were 75 authors and over 100 events in the program to showcase contemporary literature in the country.

The 2,300-square-meter pavilion hosted readings, talks, and cultural activities. Interactive exhibitions about Czech literature with the help of AI and technological innovations were also organized in it.

Women’s Narratives and World Literature Dominate

Various writers, journalists, and publishers took part in discussions about representation, equality, and the place of women in the literary world. Speakers included Gisèle Pelicot who gave a public message regarding the problem of sexual violence and other socially significant matters, together with representatives of initiatives promoting women in publishing.

There were also internationally known writers like Colson Whitehead, Jenny Erpenbeck, and Cornelia Funke, besides new literary talents at the book fair.

Guest of Honour at 2027 Frankfurt Book Fair – Chile

The 2027 Frankfurt Book Fair is slated for October 6-10, 2027, with Chile designated as the Guest of Honour.

The 2026 edition has shown how the global publishing sector is managing its efforts to continue with conventional sales and rights deals while exploring newer avenues such as audiobooks and screen adaptations.