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 journalism — from labor news to sports analysis to cultural commentary — has appeared in The Seattle Times, Seattle Met, The Stranger, More Perfect Union, and elsewhere, in Conor’s trademark humorous, approachable 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 4Culture, Hugo House, SLICE magazine, and New York University, and been shortlisted for the Elizabeth George Foundation Grant. Sporadically he has also taught writing at New York University and the University of Washington, and for the City of Seattle.
To get in touch about a writing project, contact his agent Connor Eck at connor@theeckagency.com.
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
“Anatomy of a Strike: Boeing Machinists Edition” and “How to Support a Strike: Boeing Machinists Edition,” a two-parter for The Stranger
“Sounders Doc Michael Morris Says Goodbye,” a profile on the Sounders’ OG team doc for Seattle Met
“What do the Mariners owe us? I have a few ideas,” an op-ed for the Seattle Times
“Jake Bobo is a Seahawks Throwback,” some football analysis for Seattle Met
“And It Is No Joke,” an award-winning short story in the Bellevue Literary Review
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.)
