U.P. Publishers & Authors Association Holds 25th Annual Conference: Writing, Publishing, Book Marketing, and Book Design to Be Explored When: June 10th, 2023, from 9:30am to 4:30pm Where: Peter White Public Library, 217 N. Front St, Marquette, MI MARQUETTE, MI (March 2, 2023)—In its constant 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* (UPPAA) will hold its 25th Annual Conference on Saturday, June 10th, 2023 in downtown Marquette at the Peter White Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This year’s conference includes a variety of topics relevant to writing, publishing, and marketing. It will be open to all writers, beginning and seasoned, as well as anyone who is interested in writing. Whether published or not, this conference is for you. *Registration is now open *at www.uppaa.org/meeting-registration/ <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&id=6d2709d7df&e=2efc3cf0fe> Membership in UPPAA is NOT required! *Photo of Marty Achatz, keynote speakerKEYNOTE SPEAKER:  Marty Achatz *lives in Ishpeming, Michigan, with his wife and children. He has taught writing, literature, mythology, film, and composition at Northern Michigan University since 1998.He holds a Master’s Degree in Fiction and an MFA in Poetry. His work has appeared in /Kennesaw Review/, /The Paterson Literary Review/, and /The MacGuffin/, among others, as well as several poetry anthologies. His collection of poems, /The Mysteries of the Rosary/, was published by Mayapple Press. He has released two full-length spoken word albums with the band Streaking in Tongues—/Slow Dancing with Bigfoot/ and /Christmas with Bigfoot/. In 2022, Marty was the subject of the feature-length documentary /Bigfoot and Marty/. He has twice been nominated for the Pushcart Prize. Marty served two consecutive terms as U.P. Poet Laureate and is currently Vice President of the U.P. Poet Laureate Foundation. Marty is also the Adult Programming Coordinator for Peter White Public Library. His most recent work can be read on his blog /Saint Marty/ (saintmarty-marty.blogspot.com), which receives over 10,000 pageviews per month. *Chasing Bigfoot:  The Mythology and Truth of Being a Poet/Writer: *In this presentation involving music, film, and performance, Marty will discuss his journey from plumber’s son to U.P. Poet Laureate, following his footprints in the elusive pursuit of converting his dreams and passions into a successful writing career. *Breakout sessions to be held by expert members of the UPPAA community: * * *Terri Martin – *“Tickle Your Reader’s Funny Bone: Using Humor in Your Writing” * *Tyler Tichelaar –* “Self-Publishing 101: Why You Should Self-Publish and How to Do It” * *Brandy Thomas – *“Getting Started with Audiobooks” * *Carrie A. Pearson –* “Illustrative Collaboration in Traditional Children’s Book Publishing: Working Together but Actually Apart” * *Laura Smyth – *“Actually, We Do Judge a Book by Its Cover” * *Amy McKay, Jessica Bays, Ann Newcombe – “*Working with Bookstores:  Panel Discussion” A business meeting will also be held, the highlight of which will be the presentation of the *6th annual Dandelion Cottage Awards* for its student short story contest. For more information about the annual Dandelion Cottage short story contest, visit www.DandelionCottage.org <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&id=091a63c08d&e=2efc3cf0fe>. <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&id=462ea3afb3&e=2efc3cf0fe>In addition, the release of the *7th volume of /U.P. Reader/*, UPPAA’s own annual literary anthology featuring short stories, poetry, and essays by its members, will be celebrated. This new volume includes works by more than three dozen authors from around the U.P. including all of this year’s Dandelion Cottage Award winners.  For more information, visit www.UPReader.org <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&id=afaa654134&e=2efc3cf0fe>. The conference provides networking opportunities for anyone wishing to learn more about writing, publishing, and book marketing. Informal networking is programmed into the schedule around the lunch break period. An exhibition area will showcase the works of author around the U.P. and all books displayed will be given away as door prizes at the conclusion of the conference. *The general public may attend the Spring Conference for a $60 registration fee*. UPPAA members attend free of charge. Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended. Membership details, benefits, and registration are available online at www.uppaa.org <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&id=2b75e8ce6f&e=2efc3cf0fe>. A catered hot lunch buffet is included with cost of registration (free for UPPAA members).  For questions or to register offline, contact membership secretary Brandy Thomas at uppaa.membership@gmail.com. Registrations online or by mail must be received no later than June 1st.. About the Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association (UPPAA) The UPPAA <https://UPPAA.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b1016c5c910959a236f2ff48f&id=6940db7fbe&e=2efc3cf0fe>was founded in 1998 as a non-profit corporation with the goal of educating and empowering authors of the U.P. Among its outreach programs are a U.P. Notable Books List, U.P. Book Review, Dandelion Cottage Award--a contest for young writers (grades 5 to 12), and an annual journal, /The U.P. Reader./ /*For more information about this event,* contact president@uppaa.org (Victor Volkman)/ -- Regards, Victor R. Volkman, President L H Press Inc. www.LHPress.com