May 1-2, 2026, Oshkosh, WI
Book Fair: May 2, 2026
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center
Your registration includes
- Accredited keynote speaker and panel events
- Interactive workshops ranging from writing tips, editing advice, and insider perspectives into the publishing industry.
- Afternoon lunch and networking break
One-on-One Sessions
Pitch Sessions
with Fresh Water Press Editor Sophia Dramm
Fresh Water Press elevates local writers by publishing their work and promoting a rich literary landscape on the Lakeshore. The Press publishes multiple genres with a unifying mission to promote the voices of Wisconsin. While the subject matter or setting need not be limited to our area, the authors themselves must have a tie to the state. Each session will be 10 minutes.
Writing Coaching
with Kate Penndorf
Kate Penndorf of Much Ado About Writing will offer 15-minute, individual writing coaching sessions.
Option 1: Submit 500 words and get a critique
Submit 500 words in advance and come ready to tackle questions about the premise, writing, characters, POV, and direction of your story. Deadline for submitting a sample is Monday, April 27, 2026. (Kate’s email will be provided in your confirmation email.)
Option 2: Sit, chat, and ask questions
Don’t have words to page yet, but have questions about an idea or plotting? Get answers for all genres of both fiction and non-fiction.
Headshots
by Shaena Friedman & Andrea Holmgreen
A professional photographer and makeup artist from To Die For DIY will be on-site to create a quality headshot for use on your book jackets, website and marketing materials.
Note: This event is not included in your conference fees; cost is $85 per session.
Each session includes light styling, light make-up and hair touch up. Feel free to bring accessories such as a hat or shawl! Five professionally edited headshots will be emailed directly to you after the conference.
Agent-Ready Queries
With Barry Putt Jr.
Have a query letter you’d like to strengthen? In this one-on-one session, you’ll receive focused, actionable feedback to help your query shine. You’re welcome to submit your query in advance (Barry’s email will be provided in your confirmation) but it’s not required. Bring your questions and ideas, and leave with a clearer, more confident pitch. Each session is 10 minutes long.
Website Coaching
with Celeste Anton
Meet with Dandelion Web Marketing and Consulting owner Celeste Anton to discuss options for enhancing your existing author website or how to begin creating a website. Ask questions about the other pieces of an online writer’s platform such as social media marketing, email lists and google analytics. Each session will be 15 minutes.
To kick off the year, we’ll open submissions for the Lakefly Writing Contests in January 2026. Cash prizes; no entry fee. Sorry, only Wisconsin residents are eligible to enter!
Writing Contest
The Book Fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 2. This event is free and open to the public!
Want to promote your table? Check out our social media kit.
Book Fair
Table information
Table Size: 96” by 30”
Included: Linen skirt, two chairs
Cost: $40 per table (sharing of tables is permitted)
Need lodging?
The Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel, adjacent to the Oshkosh Convention Center, has a block rooms set aside until April 23 (or until they run out)
To register, click here or phone 920-230-3200. Be sure to ask for the Lakefly rate!
Off-site lodging:
Quality Inn
1495 W. South Park Ave., Oshkosh WI 54902
Phone (920) 232-0300 or click here