MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Publishers and Authors Association has announced the first of the 2026 Online Seminar Series, an educational events designed to tackle timely issues in writing, publishing and marketing.

The sessions are offered free via Zoom, and are open to all UPPAA members seeking to strengthen their skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving literary landscape.

The first session will be at 7 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, March 19, with Diane J. Windsor, an author, publisher and book marketing specialist.

Did you know that by selling your books directly to your reader, you not only earn higher royalties, but you also have valuable reader contact information? And you don’t need to store boxes of books in your garage. Diane Windsor, founder Motina Books Publishing, will explain how to set up a print-on-demand store from your website.

She is a lifelong reader, and at one point her dream was to become a published author. She realized she’s better at publishing wonderful books by authors than writing her own.

Windsor is also passionate about helping all authors with book marketing, and hosts a monthly Zoom call that’s open to all authors, to brainstorm creative marketing ideas.

Those interested can contact president@uppaa.org to obtain the Zoom link.

UPPAA offers more than just seminars. Member benefits include:

— The annual spring conference, featuring expert panels and networking opportunities;

— Participation in the U.P. reader literary anthology;

— The U.P. Notable Books Club, anyone can join this monthly online meeting with authors of the U.P.’s most significant books;

— Youth writing initiatives, including the Dandelion Cottage Short Story Award and the Young Writers Storytelling Workshop to encourage U.P. students in fifth to 12th grades.

UPPAA welcomes writers of all levels and genres — from aspiring authors to seasoned professionals. Membership helps fund programming and ensures a thriving literary community throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Membership details can be found at www.uppaa.org/join-or-renew.

To learn more about the 2026 seminars, got to www.UPPAA.org.