The Wisconsin Book Festival focuses primarily on hosting events for recent publications. We host events in all genres.
Our open proposal period for the 2025 Fall Celebration is now closed.
Our open proposal period for the 2026 Fall Celebration will begin on April 1, 2026 and run through June 30, 2026. If you are interested in proposing a stand-alone Wisconsin Book Festival event outside that window, you may email your proposal at any time to bookfest@mplfoundation.org.
Please include the following information:
- Author’s Name
- Book Title
- ISBN
- Publisher Name
- Publication Date of the book for which you are proposing an event
- Outline of the proposed event, including potential dates
- Any review/supporting materials that could aid in our decision-making
- A statement about availability for virtual or in-person events
- A confirmation that you have the equipment necessary to present remotely via video conference
FAQs
Q: What makes a strong author proposal?
A: While there is no magic formula to getting your proposal accepted, the most successful author applications:
- Have a direct tie to a book and a consideration of the audience
- Are timely
- Demonstrate familiarity with the festival and have an understanding of our events
Q: I’m a debut author and have never attended an event like this. Should I apply to be part of the Fall Celebration?
A: Absolutely! The festival is eager and proud to support authors at all stages of their writing career.
Q: What sets the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration apart from similar events?
A: Our events are free and open to the public. We don’t charge admission and don’t require pre-registration. We are approachable and support a representative community, with books and authors at the heart of everything we do!
Q: If I am not accepted as a Fall Celebration author, are there other ways to be part of the Wisconsin Book Festival?
A: Yes! We recommend attending our events and getting involved with the festival. Maybe you ...
- Are an expert on a subject and could serve as an interlocutor for an author and their book
- Have time, and could volunteer and help behind the scenes
- Are interested in becoming a Wisconsin Book Festival member
- Would like to follow us on social media to learn more about our programming and opportunities to engage
If you are interested in proposing a standalone Wisconsin Book Festival event outside of our four-day festival in the fall, you may email your proposal at any time to bookfest@mplfoundation.org.