Conor is a writer from Seattle.

A New York Times bestselling one. He’s 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).

His award-winning journalism — which spans labor news to sports analysis and everything in between — has appeared in The Stranger, The Seattle Times, Seattle Met, More Perfect Union, and elsewhere, in Conor’s trademark approachable and affecting style.

The Catcher’s Handbook (McFarland & Co.), his instructional book drawing on his decade behind the dish, has been endorsed by many MLB coaches and teaches young players the most difficult position in sports.

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 has won grants and awards from PEN America, 4Culture, and Hugo House, and been shortlisted for the Elizabeth George Foundation Grant. He has taught 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.

“What’s Behind the Gilded Doors of Aegis Senior Living?” an investigative report for The Stranger, an Editors’ Pick for 2025

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

“Inside the Bitter Battle Between Starbucks and Its Workers,” some enterprise journalism 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:

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.)

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