LivreConnect, a professional network designed for the book industry, officially launched on September 16, 2026, following several weeks of testing. The platform aims to connect authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, distributors, agents, translators, editors, and other professionals in one place. It offers features such as networking opportunities, discussion forums, resources, training, and artificial intelligence tools. Before its launch, the platform had already attracted 500 registered users, with 100 participating in a pre-launch phase. A key feature of LivreConnect is its AI assistant, named Volt'R, which is based on OpenAI's GPT models. Volt'R is designed to help users with tasks like structuring commercial arguments, preparing negotiations, summarizing information, and formulating professional problems. Users must give specific, revocable consent for their data to be used, and the platform assures that it does not share users' names or email addresses with OpenAI. Only filtered text content is shared, and OpenAI states that data is not typically used to train its models unless explicitly requested by the client. LivreConnect operates on a freemium model, offering a free tier with access to basic features and a paid Basic subscription priced at 9.90 € per month. A Premium subscription is also available at 24.90 € per month, providing enhanced access to AI tools, training, and other features. The platform is managed by CAPARO, a French SAS company founded in August 2026, with Jean-Charles Caplier as president and Rénaldo Galofaro as CEO. The creators of LivreConnect emphasize that the platform is not intended to replace existing professional organizations but to create "bridges" between different professions in the book industry that have their own networks but limited interaction. Caplier acknowledges the risk of the platform becoming "a LinkedIn for books" but believes its success will depend on the value it provides to its members. Initially launched in France, LivreConnect plans to expand gradually to other French-speaking regions, including Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Quebec, Canada, the Maghreb, and other territories. The platform's development will be guided by user feedback and evolving needs. The launch has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics argue that LivreConnect is another attempt to capitalize on the frustrations of book industry professionals without addressing real needs, while others see potential for meaningful collaboration. The platform's creators have asked users to judge its value based on actual usage and outcomes rather than pre-launch promises.