Karen Kelly

After spending 25 years working in every aspect of book publishing, including editorial stints at literary agencies, book packagers, book clubs, and publishing houses, and as a published author and journalist, I have a deep understanding of the way the business works. I know what publishers expect to see when a proposal crosses their desk or a manuscript comes due. I would like to share that knowledge with you.

What's New

July 2, 2009

JUST SOLD!

Same Place, More Space by Karl Champley with Karen Kelly

This guide to space saving and creating secrets from contractor, builder, certified green inspector, and host of Wasted Spaces and DIY to the Rescue on DIY Network will be published by Chronicle Books in 2011. So proud of Karl!

THE AUGUST 2009 ISSUE OF YOGA JOURNAL IS ON NEWSSTANDS!

My story on gluten-free living (who needs flour? No one, as it happens) explains how you can find out if you are gluten intolerant, what you can and can’t eat if you are, and why all your favorite foods can be made without gluten. A gluten free diet is a healthy diet, so even those who have no problem with gluten can learn a lot about many healthy foods that are naturally gluten free, including many whole grains.

THE JUNE 2009 ISSUE OF NATURAL HEALTH IS ON THE STANDS
Along with my article on the ten best anti aging foods, with advice from Dr. Barry Sears - and my Make One Change column on mentoring, featuring Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn!

Just out from Clarkson Potter:
STEAL THIS STYLE by Sherrie Mathieson
This lively, beautifully designed book shows women “of a certain age” how to translate today’s youthful looks appropriately. The clear photos and witty text are the right combo of visual and written advice. A copy should be in every woman’s walk-in closet. Don’t get dressed without it!

YOGA JOUNAL MAY 2009

“Diet for a Healthy Planet” on newsstands now!

Please check out my story about eco-liscious beans - and trade in your meat for some flavorful legumes. Beans have long played a leading role in sustaining billions of people across the globe…they are inexpensive and pack a big nutritional punch! Spring is here, and summer is coming - so why not try a simple white bean puree with a bit of vegetable broth, white wine, rosemary and garlic. Sublime!

Blogs and Links

Testimonials

“This book would not have been possible if it had not been for my…writing partner Karen Kelly…” - Celerie Kemble, author of To Your Taste (Clarkson Potter, November 2008).

“Karen Kelly did an amazing job helping me to write this book and was a constant source of inspiration and ideas. I couldn’t have pulled it off without her.” – J. Douglas Bremner, MD, author of Before You Take That Pill (Avery, Spring 2008)

“After two attempts at an outline [my agent] told me I needed professional help and introduced me to my left brain, a talented and determined freelance editor Karen Kelly. Karen not only helped me organize this book, she told me when I was funny (“I just snorted coffee through my nose.”), when I was boring (“What the hell are you talking about here?”), and when I was redundant (“In this paragraph you use the pronoun ‘I’ 27 times.”). She is one of the most patient people I know.” – Nina DiSesa, chairman of McCann Erikson, New York and author of Seducing the Boy’s Club (Random House, Fall 2008).

“Thank you to Karen Kelly, who ‘got’ our voice and understood our message from the first meeting, and then translated it beautifully on the page. We would not have this book without her.” – Terence Noonan and Marta Tracy, TV producers and authors of Starring You! (Harper Entertainment, Summer 2007).

“Karen Kelly, a special thanks to you for doing such a great job capturing my voice and organizing my thoughts on paper. You brought things out of me that I don’t think anyone else could have.” – Barbara Kavovit, CEO and founder of Barbara K! Enterprises and author of Room for Improvement and Invest in Your Nest (Rodale, 2005 and 2006).

“The wonderful writer Karen Kelly…beautifully translated my philosophies, concepts, and ideas into the written word. I give special thanks. Her insight and enthusiasm has made this book not only possible, but a very rewarding and memorable experience for me as well. I could not have done it without her.” – Randolph Duke, designer and author of The Look (Clarkson Potter, 2006).

“Karen Kelly’s…patience and motivation has kept me focused. Dearest Karen, thank you for your flow and non-stop diligence. You are the true backbone of this book. I revere you.” – Lorri Goddard Clark, Hollywood and celebrity hair colorist and author of The Color Mix Book (Regan Books, 2006).