Personal Bio:
Mary Keeley still remembers a particular book she read about Pocahontas when she was a young girl. Action-packed with danger, disappointments, heroism, and a love story, she discovered how much she had learned about trust, friendship, self-sacrifice, and history without even working at it. The value of a good book was firmly rooted.
She began her career in publishing at Tyndale House Publishers where she worked for eight years, first as a product manager, then as an administrator, and finally as an acquisitions editor for nonfiction. Having worked with Randy Alcorn, Joel Rosenberg, Chuck Colson, Josh McDowell, Gary Smalley, Dianne Matthews, and numerous others on multiple book projects, Mary has a thorough understanding of the entire publishing process.
Her fours years at Christianity Today International have extended her knowledge of the industry to the fast-track world of magazine publishing. There she also spearheaded an author relations initiative for the long list of contributing editors of Leadership journal.
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What Mary’s Clients Say…
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“When Mary became my agent, she took time to get to know my passions, dreams and goals for writing. She looks at developing a writer and not just garnering quick contracts. It’s great to have an agent who listens, gives wise advice, and understands an author’s vision.
We started together in the midst of one of my tight deadlines but as soon as that drew to a close Mary amazed me by quickly placing a book proposal and working to negotiate more time to develop a proposal an editor requested (that is now being contracted).
She responds quickly to my emails and text messages. Mary is guiding me in the right direction and I look forward to continuing this partnership for a long time.”
-Karen H Whiting, author of The 365 Most Important Bible Passages for Women
“I enjoy working with Mary Keeley. She is an encourager who cares about her clients and their futures. I appreciate her guidance and expertise in helping me develop goals for my career. She is very approachable, easy to work with, and has a heart for the Lord and a passion for supporting writers.” -Becky Melby, author of Tomorrow’s Sun
“As a gifted and experienced literary agent, Mary Keeley demonstrates professionalism, a keen knowledge of the industry, and a gracious spirit. She has been both a wise, seasoned voice of experience and an inspiring “cheerleader” for me as an author. She truly believes in the talent and potential of all of the authors she represents, and she helps them to achieve success as she guides them to publication. Her careful attention to detail and her great expertise on the ins and outs of the publishing business have been invaluable to me. I highly recommend Mary as a literary agent.” -Marla Alupoaicei, author of Your Intercultural Marriage: A Guide to a Healthy, Happy Relationship
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Mary, a natural encourager, enjoys serving on the faculty of such writers conferences as CLASS. Fulfillment comes from helping authors develop their personal brand and refine their concepts. She constantly monitors trends to help clients understand and fashion their writing to be relevant and enriching for current markets.
Mary acquires Adult Fiction & Nonfiction books.