Conference Overview & History

Every winter since 1998, the Bay to Ocean Writers Conference has brought together writers, editors, agents, and publishers from Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Washington, D.C.  and surrounding states.  This one-day event has grown into a premier event for writers in the Mid-Atlantic.

BTO is a volunteer-run conference sponsored by the Eastern Shore Writers Association. Our mission is to inform, encourage, and inspire writers and help them unravel the mysteries of the ever-changing publishing business. 

The first BTO conference was held 20 years ago by Friends of the Talbot County Free Library. It was and continues to be dedicated to the legacy of Gilbert Byron (1903-1991), who did more to capture the unique ambience of the Eastern Shore than any other writer in his time. To learn more about Gilbert Byron's novels, poetry, and essays and the museum celebrating his life, visit the Web site of the Pickering Creek Audubon Center.

The next BTO conference will take place on March 9, 2019.  Visit our Registration page for details and to reserve your seat.  See an overview of the speakers and sessions here.

2019 BTO Coordinating Committee

Ron Sauder - Coordinator

Robert Bidinotto

Paul Briggs

Tara O'Brien Elliott

Kenton Kilgore

Keith Shaffer

Leslie Walker

Ann Wilson

How to Contact Us

College phone for weather cancellations: 

410-822-5400

Email the organizers:

easternshorewriters@gmail.com