In June 2023, writers Tara Huck, Tracey Koach and Peggy Turnbull got together to chat about writing when the conversation took a pivotal turn. “The topic came up that this area has a lot of writers and could support a publishing company,” Huck says.
The press launched in February 2024. Its first book, an anthology called “Opening Nights: A Collection of Theater Stories,” was released in October that year.
“We’re very excited that we received a lot of community support from bookstore owners and writers, and it was just very affirming that, yes, this area does want to support literature,” Huck says.
Fresh Water Press currently has four titles with three more books planned for release this year and two coming out in 2027, including one by 2026 Insight Woman of Influence Tina Prigge and her husband, Jason, titled “Unbroken: A True Love Story.”
The press’s next publication is Racine author Julie A. Jacob’s book, “Bicentennial Eve, a Wisconsin Novella” that takes place on July 3, 1976, “which we think is the perfect time to bring this book to life, because it’s the 250th anniversary this summer,” Huck says.
Fresh Water is a traditional press, meaning submissions go through a critical selection process by the three owners, and authors do not pay to have their books published. “We decided that we wanted to invest in books we believe in,” Huck says.
The press is looking for solid writing and engaging stories from writers who will be strong partners with the press. Fresh Water is particularly interested in books and authors that have a connection to the region, and it has a commitment to publishing poetry. The press also will be calling for submissions this summer for an anthology “where we can get more of our local voices out,” Huck says. Starting June 15, the press will be open to rolling submissions, meaning writers can submit their work at any time instead of only during a small window of time.
“We feel like we might have missed a couple really strong manuscripts because we had a reading period,” Huck says.
Books can be purchased through Fresh Water’s website, bookstores or on bookshop.org, through which readers can select their favorite bookstore to receive proceeds from the purchase. Fresh Water offers bulk pricing for book clubs, and its authors have agreed to appear at book clubs via Zoom so readers can ask the author questions, Huck says.
The press also hosts community events including open mics, author signings, launch parties and write‑ins, where people have an opportunity to come and free write based on a prompt. The press has partnered with other local businesses on events, printing and design, including PetSkull Brewery, the Franciscan Center, Fricke Printing Service and Vagabond Creative Studio.
“What’s been surprising to me is how affirming the experience has been. How many people in the community are happy to have this option for writers … It’s just been incredible, because you put something out in the world, and is it just going to be quiet, like a tree that falls in the woods, or are people going to respond to it?” Huck says.
The answer has come with one of Fresh Water’s first publications, “Dial Down: Holistic Strategies to Move from Chaos to Calm” by Raquel Durden, which has now sold in 20 states. “It’s really one of our best sellers.”
The press has a part‑time Chicago‑based editor and engagement manager, Sophia Dramm, and is a full‑time venture for its three owners. Koach is an essayist and retired environmental scientist, and Turnbull is a poet and retired university librarian. Huck is a former journalist who left a full‑time job in health care administration to run the press. She’s also the author of the 2014 book “Stress Fracture: A Memoir of Psychosis” as Tara Meissner, as well as a chapbook of poetry as Tara Huck.
Launching the press “felt affirming that I was back to what I am good at and supposed to be doing,” Huck says. “I have so much more joy…I feel like I’m healthier, and it’s a passion project of mine.”
