Conor is a writer from Seattle.

An award-winning, New York Times bestselling one. Over 100 articles of his have appeared in The Stranger, The Seattle Times, Seattle Met, More Perfect Union, and other major media outlets, in Conor’s trademark approachable and affecting style. He’s also collaborated with high-profile figures like Hall of Fame athletes, Fortune 500 CEO’s, and investigative journalists on over 20 books, including the smash hit College Girl, Missing (Sourcebooks, 2024), uncovering the truth behind the front-page disappearance of Lauren Spierer, which TIME called one of the greatest mysteries since Jimmy Hoffa and Amelia Earhart.

In The Catcher’s Handbook (McFarland, 2014), Conor uses storytelling and humor to teach young players the most difficult position in sports. His popular baseball instructional book draws on his decade behind the dish, and has been endorsed by many college and Major League Baseball coaches.

A graduate of the New York University MFA program, Conor’s short fiction and nonfiction has been featured in Bellevue Literary Review, Word Riot, and Hippocampus Magazine. His story "And It Is No Joke" was named Honorable Mention for the Bellevue Literary Review Goldenberg Prize for Fiction, and Glimmer Train shortlisted it for their Short Story Award for New Writers.

Conor’s won grants and awards from PEN America, the Carnegie Foundation, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, 4Culture, and Hugo House, and been shortlisted for the Elizabeth George Foundation Prize. He has taught creative writing at New York University and the University of Washington.

To get in touch about a writing project, please use the contact form below.

Here’s some of that writing you’ve heard so much about.

“Is Major League Baseball heading for a lockout?” an interview with Major League Baseball Players’ Association director Bruce Meyer for Northwest Labor Press

“What’s Behind the Gilded Doors of Aegis Senior Living?” an investigative report for The Stranger, an Editors’ Pick for 2025 and ASJA June Roth Memorial Award for Outstanding Medical Journalism Honorable Mention

“Lawsuit Alleges Decades of Sexual Abuse in King County Youth Detention,” breaking news for The Stranger

“Sounders Doc Michael Morris Says Goodbye,” a profile on the Sounders’ OG team doc for Seattle Met

College Girl, Missing, a New York Times bestselling true crime book collaboration with crime reporter Shawn Cohen

“What do the Mariners owe us? I have a few ideas,” a viral op-ed for the Seattle Times

“This Grocery Giant Stole Millions From Their Workers,” an investigative report on Kroger’s ongoing wage theft for More Perfect Union

“And It Is No Joke,” an award-winning short story in the Bellevue Literary Review

The Catcher's Handbook, a baseball instructional book published with McFarland & Co., endorsed by many MLB players and coaches

Praise:

ASJA judges, on Conor’s article “What’s Behind the Gilded Doors of Aegis Senior Living?”: “The reporting here was very brave. It’s not easy to call out a prominent, charismatic character as the writer did, and getting former employees to speak on the record is next-level journalism. The writing was colorful and lively, with excellent pacing.”

Legendary author Joyce Carol Oates, on Conor’s short story “And It Is No Joke”: “Profound. Devastating by the end.”

Bellevue Literary Review: “In 'And It Is No Joke’…Conor Kelley investigates the complexity of options for healing, and grapples with creating space for both anger and humor.”

MLB coach Craig Driver: “The Catcher’s Handbook is a vital piece of our catchers’ reading library. It is very well written and has some outstanding drills and ideas for each of our catchers to think about.”

Conor’s first creative writing teacher: “Is your story good? Well, it’s top 6.” (There were 8 students in the class.)

Drop a comment if you like.