MARQUETTE — In its commitment to informing regional authors and publishers of the latest changes in the publishing world and offering effective marketing and writing innovations, the Upper Peninsula Publishers & Authors Association will hold its 28th Annual Conference from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

The conference will be open to all writers, beginning and seasoned, and anyone interested in starting to write. All genres will be discussed including poetry, novels, non-fiction and much more. Registration to attend is available immediately on the UPPAA website.

UPPAA members in good standing attend free of charge, however space is strictly limited to the first 110 attendees to register so act today to save your space. A catered lunch from Vango’s Pizza with side-salad is included and light refreshments are available all day. For questions or to register offline, contact membership secretary Brandy Thomas at uppaa.membership@gmail.com. Registrations must be made by May 4. There are no mail-in registrations.  

Keynote speaker Sara Maurer’s,debut novel, “A Good Animal” from St. Martin’s Press has garnerned national attention in wide-release in 2026. Place deeply informs Sara’s writing, particularly how it influences identity and choice. She attended Albion College and Eastern Michigan University and completed the Stanford Continuing Studies certificate in novel writing in 2022. In 2023, she was selected as a Suzanne M. Wilson Artist-in-Residence at the Glen Arbor Arts Center. She lives in the Upper Peninsula with her husband, two kids, and mini Dachshund.

Breakout sessions will be held by expert members of the UPPAA community; participants can mix-and-match sessions from both tracks.  

Detailed descriptions including presenter bios and specifics of each session are here

Marketing track

• Deborah K. Frontiera  – “Self-Publishing 101: Why You Should Self-Publish and How to Do It”

• Michael Dwyer – “Building a Creative In-Person Author Platform with Real World Connections” 

• Brandy Thomas, Marty Achatz, Nikki Mitchell — Creating and Marketing Audiobooks  

Writing track

• Nikki Mitchell –“Authentic Voices: Crafting Neurodivergent Heroes for Middle Grade Readers”

• Dianna Stampfler – “Research & Records for Historical Writing”

• Sue Harrison – “Orchestrating Your Novel’s Plot”

Young Writers Storytelling Workshop to be Held Concurrently

The Young Writers workshop returns for students in the sixth through twelfth grades who want to improve their writing craft and learn from established authors. It will be held in rooms adjacent to the UPPAA Conference, and admission will be $30 per student or free for those with family memberships in UPPAA (limit 2 per family). Open registration for that event will be announced separately, and details can be seen at StorytellingWorkshop.org

Friday Afternoon, May 15, – Pre-Conference Workshops (new)

The pre-conference workshops range from $15 to $45 to register. Seats are limited to first 15 attendees.

• Create Your Writing Mini-Trail Guide, with Julie Covert (1-4 p.m.)

• Developing Your Poetic Voice, with Kathleen Carlton Johnson (2-5 p.m.)

• Know Your Writing-Style Color and Make It Help You Write Better with Julie Covert (4:15-5:15 p.m.)

Pre-Conference Networking & Social Mixer

The pre-conference networking and social event available to all participants returns Friday, May 15 from 6-9 p.m. at “The Crib”, a cozy and comfortable coffee house and roastery with lots of seating located just two blocks from the Peter White Library. We ask that you register in advance for $15 when you sign up for Spring Conference. This registration covers the costs of venue rental and light appetizers. A cash bar will be available,

Books from a wide variety of U.P. authors will be available as doorprizes at the conclusion of the conference. This is a great way to acquaint yourself with new U.P. writers.