Welcome to Bouchercon, the World Mystery Convention
FAQs
The Bouchercon [bough’•chur•con] World Mystery Convention is a nonprofit organization which holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor, and author.
Every year, readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a four-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun.
The first Bouchercon took place in 1970 in Santa Monica, California. Since then, the convention has been held in many cities across North America and in the United Kingdom.
TIP: TALK TO AUTHORS … TALK TO EVERYONE …
The first Bouchercon took place in 1970 in Santa Monica, California. Recent Bouchercons have been held in many cities across the United States.
Who is Bouchercon for?
Anyone who loves mysteries. Attendees will include hundreds of fans of crime fiction, along with published authors, aspiring writers, librarians, large and small publishers, editors, agents, and booksellers.
What Happens at a Bouchercon Convention?
Bouchercon consists of panel discussions and other programming on a wide variety of topics designed to allow lots of interaction among readers and writers. Topics can be humorous or serious, informational or entertaining, and most often are a little bit of everything.
In addition, there are author signing sessions, a book store, and special events such as award ceremonies, charity auctions, and special events. And always, there are a lot of people just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company (check the bar)!
TIP: GO TO THE EVENTS HOSTED BY PUBLISHERS AND SELLERS—THEY GIVE AWAY FREE BOOKS!
How can I participate?
Register to attend! We also welcome anyone who’s interested in volunteering before and during the event or any individual, group, or organization that would like to sponsor a portion of the weekend’s festivities.
How Do I Submit My Book for an Anthony Award?
The Anthony Award nominations are submitted online by people who registered for the previous year’s Bouchercon and/or are registered for the current year’s Bouchercon. Books are nominated by the membership and voted on by the membership.
How do I Volunteer?
Yes! Bouchercon is almost entirely planned and run by volunteers. We can’t do it without you! When you complete your online or mail-in registration, check the “yes” box for volunteering.
TIP: VOLUNTEER – EVEN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO MEET PEOPLE