Freebies Book Lounge: How to Donate Books
The popular Freebies Book Lounge is returning to Worldcon at LAcon V. Freebies is a place where books and other printed swag will be given away. The objective is to provide members with some free books and to expose authors to new readers. We will be located exterior to the exhibit hall area on the ground floor.
We are currently open for book donations. Publishers and self-published authors are encouraged to donate some of their new books or backlist. Freebies replaces the bookbags given away at some smaller conventions.
What to donate
- New adult speculative fiction books
- SF/F-genre children’s books
- Graphic novels
- Comics
- Manga
- Genre magazines
- Used speculative fiction books or magazine collections in good condition
- Other adjacent books/genres, such as relevant historical fiction, SF/F-related non-fiction, and SF/F art books
- Book-related SWAG will be accepted at-con only and will be limited to small printed materials (bookmarks and postcard-size or smaller), plus pins and ribbons.
- Not accepted: Audiobook and ebook giveaways are not supported.
- Digital books are only available to members with accessibility needs, on a limited basis. Please contact freebies@lacon.org for further information on receiving books in these formats.
Why donate?
For publishers and authors, the Freebies Book Lounge is a great way to showcase your books and find new readers. You will reach a targeted audience of thousands of avid speculative fiction fans, voracious readers, podcasters, bloggers, publishers, agents, screenwriters, etc.
This is especially helpful for self-published authors who want their books to be displayed next to and among Hugo nominees and new releases from the major Fantasy and Science-Fiction publishers. Attendees at past Worldcons were super stoked to discover indie books they would not otherwise have found.
Do you have too many books and not enough shelf space? Make some room by donating your used speculative fiction books to the Freebies Book Lounge.
LAcon V is run by a not-for-profit organization, so donations are considered a charitable contribution.
How and when to donate
If you’re interested in donating, you can drop off books in person at the event or ship in advance. It’s easy and cheap to ship from Print-on-Demand printers for US and International self-published authors (you should select the printing to be done in the US, so no international shipping or tariffs will apply).
We are collecting books NOW. Books must arrive by August 15, 2026. Alternatively, at-con dropoff is encouraged. There will be a donations table at the Freebies Book Lounge. Just drop them off whenever we are open, which will be all convention days during general business hours.
To get started donating by shipping in advance, please follow these instructions:
- Self-published authors should fill out this form, then we’ll send you the shipping address and answer any questions.
- For traditional publishers, small presses, used book donations, and general questions, please email us at freebies@lacon.org.
